Actor Lee Min-ho has climbed back to the very top as the most beloved K-culture star among global Hallyu fans—despite a streak of underperforming projects.
He has secured No. 1 for the 13th consecutive year, proving his global brand power. According to the '2026 Overseas Hallyu Survey' released by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Lee Min-ho ranked first as the most preferred Korean actor among overseas fans. His No. 1 run, which began in 2014, now marks 13 years—showcasing the durability of long-built brand strength.
Even though his recent works have fallen short of expectations, his global influence remains largely unchanged. tvN’s drama When the Stars Gossip and his first big-screen project in a decade, the film Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint, posted disappointing box-office results, yet overseas fans continue to show strong support, increasingly separating the work from the actor.
Riding this rock-solid fandom, Lee Min-ho is aiming for a turnaround this year with director Hur Jin-ho’s new film Amsalja(deul).