Lee Min Ho revealed that his personal life was at its most challenging when he rose to fame through Boys Over Flowers.
The actor made his first variety show appearance in 16 years and his first-ever talk show appearance since his debut on the December 25 episode of tvN’s You Quiz on the Block.
Now in his 18th year as an actor, Lee Min Ho shared that his initial dream was to become a soccer player. Reflecting on his school days, he mentioned that he and his close friend Jung Il Woo were known as the most popular guys in Seoul’s Daebang district.
“Street casting was a big thing back then,” he said. “I was approached by SM Entertainment about three times during middle school. They’d tell me I had the quintessential ‘SM look.’ No matter where I went, it felt like an SM casting director was always nearby. But I thought, ‘I’m not good at singing or dancing—why are they interested in me?’ Even so, if they asked me to dance, I would. Eventually, they asked for my parents’ contact information, and I started avoiding them.”
It wasn’t until his second year of high school that he decided to pursue acting. “I started taking acting lessons to prepare for college entrance exams, and that’s how I began my journey as an actor,” he explained.
A serious car accident later caused a year-long hiatus, but during this difficult period, Lee Min Ho encountered the life-changing opportunity to star in Boys Over Flowers.
Recalling how he landed the phenomenal role, he said, “I even styled my hair in Gu Jun Pyo’s iconic curls for the audition. I thought I want the lead role if I’m doing this. No one else showed up with curly hair, and the production team was shocked. That hairstyle represented my desperation. Honestly, it wasn’t exactly a cool look for someone my age.”
However, behind the glamour of the drama, Lee Min Ho was enduring one of the hardest times of his life. “The character I played was a wealthy heir, but my family was struggling so much in reality,” he shared.
“My mom was our sole provider. I still remember her small, lonely figure as she went through stacks of bills. Even though I was young, I wanted to start working as soon as possible to help ease her burden. Back then, acting wasn’t just my passion—it was my livelihood. When I earned money from commercials, I gave it all to my mom. I’ll never forget how happy that made her.”
He spoke warmly about his mother, saying, “She has always been a constant source of love and strength. She’s my anchor and the person I love most.”
Lee Min Ho also reflected on his mindset during those days, adding, “I was very desperate. When the director gave the OK after just one or two takes, I’d go to a corner and cry. I wished they’d let me try a few more times because I knew I could do better.”
Source (1)
