Lee Min Ho is one of the biggest names in the Korean entertainment industry. However, a recent move by the actor has sparked heated discussion among Korean netizens. According to Korean media reports, Lee Min Ho recently made a surprise debut on TikTok and quickly uploaded his first video with the caption, “I’ve officially started working on TikTok!” Within a short period of time, the video attracted more than 3.3 million views, while the Boys Over Flowers star’s account surpassed 148,000 followers.
Notably, instead of receiving an entirely positive response, Lee Min Ho’s latest move drew a wave of harsh criticism. Some netizens flooded the post with sarcastic comments, accusing the actor of taking the easy route and questioning whether he felt embarrassed announcing that he was now “working” and making money on a short-form video platform rather than spending his time searching for quality acting projects that could revive his slowing career.
Many viewers pointed out that it has been a long time since Lee Min Ho delivered a major standout project, with some suggesting that his career downturn may have prompted him to pursue an easier way to maintain public exposure and generate additional income. Netizens also brought his age and acting ability into the discussion. “His acting is always exactly the same. He plays a rich heir in every drama. He just wants to make money in the easiest way possible. Lee Min Ho is too lazy to challenge himself or change,” one comment read. Others wrote, “The truth is that nobody is calling him to act anymore, but perhaps his pride prevents him from looking for something else. You can tell what his situation is right now. He’s lowering himself and limiting his own potential,” and, “Lee Min Ho, stop before it’s too late. You’re already approaching middle age, so you should start acting your age. How long are you going to pretend you’re still an idol?” One netizen even bluntly declared, “Lee Min Ho is past his prime…”
Some argued that if Lee Min Ho wants to escape his current career stagnation, he should boldly transform his image and take on a wider variety of roles. “His acting still hasn’t changed, he’s getting older, yet he still wants to earn an enormous amount of money. Considering how one-dimensional his acting is, he has already made more than enough. I think he needs to reassess himself before it’s too late,” one netizen commented.
Despite the negative comments from some online users, Lee Min Ho’s new account continues to steadily gain followers. His public image and career direction remain subjects of divided opinion. Meanwhile, the Korean star has yet to respond to the harsh criticism accusing him of diminishing his own status.
Born in 1987, Lee Min Ho initially dreamed of becoming a professional football player but was forced to give up that ambition after suffering an injury as a child. He began his acting career in the early 2000s with minor roles in television dramas and sitcoms. However, a serious car accident in 2006 forced him to temporarily suspend his activities and left him with injuries to his leg and thigh.
His career skyrocketed in 2009 when he played wealthy heir Goo Jun Pyo in the hit drama Boys Over Flowers. Lee Min Ho went on to become one of the most famous and influential Korean actors worldwide, earning the nickname “King of Hallyu” thanks to his extensive career and enormous fan base across Asia and beyond. In recent years, however, his acting career has faced greater challenges. As he approaches his 40s, his changing appearance has repeatedly become a topic of discussion, while several projects in which he played leading roles have struggled to meet expectations and received criticism from both viewers and critics.
Sources: k14