Lee Min Ho is still on top—and showing no signs of slowing down.
Ahead of his upcoming film Assassins (literal title), Lee has once again been named the No. 1 favorite Korean actor among international audiences, marking an impressive 13-year streak.
The ranking comes from the “2026 Global Hallyu Survey” released March 30th by the Ministry of Culture Sports and Tourism and the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange. Lee has held the top spot every year since first claiming it, thanks to hits like Boys Over Flowers, The Heirs and The King: Eternal Monarch. More recently, his role in Apple TV+’s Pachinko helped expand his global fanbase even further.
Coming in at No. 2 is Song Hye Kyo, who has consistently ranked in the Top 5 since 2018. Her Netflix series The Glory gained major international traction, making her the only actress to stay in the Top 5 for eight consecutive years.
At No. 3 is IU, who continues to prove her crossover power. She also ranked No. 3 in the “favorite Korean singer” category, reinforcing her influence in both music and acting. Her recent Netflix project When Life Gives You Tangerines is believed to have boosted her global visibility.
Rounding out the Top 5 are Hyun Bin at No. 4 and Gong Yoo at No. 5, both of whom built strong international followings through hit dramas like Crash Landing on You and Goblin, respectively.
More than a decade in, Lee Min Ho’s global appeal remains unmatched, a testament to the lasting power of Hallyu’s biggest stars.
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