Lee Min Ho is under fire after sharing a post featuring an extravagant lineup of birthday gifts from fans—setting off a heated debate online between those who praised his gratitude and others who felt the gesture was out of step with the times.
On June 22nd, the 38-year-old actor posted several photos on his Instagram, showcasing dozens of flower arrangements, balloons, and luxury gift boxes he received from fans for his birthday. Along with the images, he thanked fans for their heartfelt presents. Lee is now in his 19th year as an actor and remains one of the most recognized global faces of the Hallyu Wave.
But not everyone was thrilled by the display. Some netizens argued that “At his level, he should be encouraging fans to send their love, not luxury gifts,” and that “Many stars today are shifting toward more conscious fan culture—like donations or handwritten letters.” Others also pointed to the environmental impact, questioning the yearly celebration of “balloons, flowers, and excessive packaging” at a time when sustainability matters.
The backlash drew comparisons to other top stars. G-Dragon recently donated 81.8 million won ($60,000) to the UNHCR for his birthday, while Park Bo Gum made headlines for gently refusing “physical” gifts from fans, stressing, “It’s your heart that matters.” More and more celebrities are opting to turn down material support, redirecting fandom enthusiasm toward charitable acts.
Still, many fans came to his defense. “They gave the gifts out of love—what’s wrong with sharing a thank-you?” some wrote. More added, “It’s not like he asked for anything. He’s just sharing joy with his fans.” Supporters argued that fan-star culture is about connection, and Lee’s post was simply part of that ongoing relationship.
Public sentiment around fan gift culture is changing. With more focus on sustainability, flashy gifts are falling out of favor, replaced by donations or simpler gestures. Lee’s post—with balloons, large bouquets, and luxury packaging—drew criticism for its environmental impact, with some saying a global star should be more mindful of the message it sends.
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