6 iconic Lee Minho drama roles that you should never miss

If we’re talking about our original Korean oppa, I’m sure Lee Minho is among your top list, right?

Of course, one of the Filipinos’ top oppas is probably Lee Minho. Lee Minho is one of the Korean actors who made it as a Hallyu star and is one of the top actors of his generation until today!

I’m pretty sure everyone, if not almost everyone, has already watched his dramas and movies. He has a wide range of filmography showing his talent as an actor and his dedication to his craft. He is undeniably one of the talented actors in Korea right now and and sought-after endorser and ambassador for brands around the world.

Just in case you wanted to dive into Lee Minho’s filmography, here are 6 dramas of his that you MUST watch in this lifetime!

Boys Over Flowers (2009)

This 2009 drama is what made Lee Minho the Hallyu star that he is today. And as a MINOZ, this is the drama that introduced him to me.

Boys Over Flowers follows the story of Geum Jandi (played by Goo Hyesun), a normal girl from a poor family, who goes to the prestigious school Shinhwa High School. At this school, she meets the ever-famous F4. She had a hard time in the new school as F4’s leader, Goo Junpyo (played by Lee Minho), made her life a mess.

The two started as enemies and eventually fell in love as the story goes on.

Boys Over Flowers is the Korean adaptation of the popular Japanese manga, Hana Yori Dango. This drama has become popular not only in Korea but also around the world. It has often been regarded as the pioneer of Korean High School dramas and helped the rise of the Korean wave.

This drama is also extra special for Lee Minho, as this drama gave him awards such as the Best New Actor award at the 45th Baeksang Arts Awards and the 2009 KBS Drama Awards.

Where to watch: Viu, Netflix, iQIYI

City Hunter (2011)

For the first time in his career, Lee Minho starred in an action drama in which he played the lead role.

City Hunter follows the story of Lee Yunseong (played by Lee Minho), who works at the Blue House for the National Communication Network Team. Hiding his true identity, he plans to take revenge for his father. While working on his mission, he fell in love with the presidential bodyguard, Kim Nana (played by Park Minyoung).

This drama is based on the Japanese manga of the same name. City Hunter became popular in Europe, which also helped Lee Minho gain fame on the continent.

The Heirs (2013)

One of Lee Minho’s popular dramas is the 2013 drama The Heirs.

The Heirs follows the story of elite students at Jeguk High School. Students at this school are rich and future business leaders in Korea. Fortunately, Cha Eunsang (played by Park Shinhye) gained a scholarship to the prestigious school, and there, she meets the stubborn son of the Jeguk Group, Kim Tan (played by Lee Minho).

Kim Tan and Cha Eunsang were involved in multiple events wherein they’re almost always seen quarreling. Later in the story, the two fell in love, but many people are against their relationship as Kim Tan has a bright future ahead as the son of the Jeguk Group. But the two are determined and serious about each other, so they went against all odds just to be together.

As you can see in the cast list, all of the actors are now the popular and most in-demand artists in the industry. Looking at it 12 years later, they all have come a long way.

Where to watch: iQIYI, Viu, Netflix, MAX

The Legend of the Blue Sea (2016-2107)

The Legend of the Blue Sea follows the love story of Heo Joonjae (played by Lee Minho), a conman, and Shim Cheong (played by Jun Jihyun), a girl Joonjae meets at the beach who seems to have been lost.

Without their knowledge, the two are destined to be together since the Joseon era, in which Se Hwa (Shim Cheong) saved the nobleman Kim Damryeong (Heo Joonjae) from drowning.

The episodes are shifting between the Joseon era and the present day as the memories of Joonjae and Shim Cheong are being shown each time as they recall their connection. This drama is an interesting love story between a man and a mermaid, and the question of what they will become will stay in your mind throughout the episodes.

The Legend of the Blue Sea is Lee Minho’s last drama before he served in the military.

Where to watch: Viu, Netflix, iQIYI, MAX

The King: Eternal Monarch (2020)

The King: Eternal Monarch is one of my personal favorites!

This follows the story of the characters involved in an alternate universe.

Lee Minho plays the role of Lee Gon, the third king of the Kingdom of Corea. And in the alternate universe, he was killed as a child, so he’s character as Lee Jihoon does not exist in the Republic of Korea.

It’s an interesting drama as the story shifts between the two universes. Sometimes, you get confused, but it really takes a lot of understanding to figure out the story. I, personally, had a lot of thinking about the theories from this drama. It was a fun experience overall!

The King: Eternal Monarch isn’t just about the alternate universes, but it also tells the amazing love story of Lee Gon, from the Republic of Corea, and Jeong Taeeul, from the Republic of Korea.

This drama is also Lee Minho’s comeback role after serving in the military for 2 years.

Where to watch: Netflix

When The Stars Gossip (2025)

After 5 years, Lee Minho finally comeback with a new drama!

When The Stars Gossip follows the story of Gong Ryong (played by Lee Minho), an obstetrician, who traveled to space as a space tourist to do a secret mission. There, he meets the space commander, Kim Eve (played by Gong Hyojin).

This drama is interesting to me as it shows life in space and how humans survive with a limited oxygen supply. If that’s something that interests you, this drama would be perfect for you.

Aside from the concept of space and astronauts, this also tells the love story of Ryong and Eve, and how these two fought for their love and life together.

When The Stars Gossip is an interesting story that tackles the subject of life and death. It’s a beautiful story that will show us the value of life and how we will appreciate it at this time.

Where to watch: Netflix

How about you? Are you a MINOZ? Which of his dramas would you recommend the most? Share it in the comments below!