Lights, Camera, Passion

Korean actor and heartthrob Lee Min Ho talks about the difference between Hollywood and Korean productions, taking on as many roles as possible, and why he's saving the Northern Lights for later.

- RENEE BATCHELOR

Our shoot with Lee Min Ho in Seoul takes place in wintry February, where the temperatures outside are dipping. But in the studios, Lee is warm and fully engaged. He greets our stylist with a firm handshake, and the shoot progresses at an energetic pace—a nod to both his professionalism, experience and also how photogenic (and telegenic) he is. Since exploding on screens with his breakthrough role in 2009’s Boys Over Flowers, the model turned actor and sometime singer has been beloved by his fans both for his many gifts, and for his devotion to both them and his acting roles.

Lee says, “It’s been 17 years since I started acting. Instead of approaching acting in the form of technique, I try to understand the role. So when I choose a role, from day one till filming ends, I try to see and feel things from that character’s perspective, by getting into that character and bringing out the true identity of the character.

Lee has evolved as an actor, proving his range in a string of star-making turns and even making his Hollywood debut in the Apple TV+ series Pachinko in 2022. The starting date of the much-anticipated second season has yet to be confirmed, but is likely to premiere in the coming months. Despite his many memorable roles, Lee is not slowing down anytime soon. This year he is working on a film that he teases “requires a lot of action scenes.” For now his hope is to wrap the shoot without any injuries. “I want to leave as many roles as I can in my 30s. My goal for this year is to work as much as I can.”

“I want to leave as MANY ROLES as I can IN MY 30s. My GOAL for THIS YEAR is to WORK AS MUCH as I can.”