Lee Min Ho: I will always try to show my true self

MANILA, Philippines — Seven years have passed since South Korean superstar Lee Min Ho’s last visit to the Philippines. What he missed most during his absence was the warm and enthusiastic reception from his Filipino fans.

“Of course, whenever I arrive here in the Philippines, it’s such a short period, but I always receive a lot of energy from those Filipino fans. That’s why I missed this a lot. And ever since my arrival last night by the airport, as soon as I came down the airplane, a lot of people were waiting for me… there were a lot of fans waiting for me outside the airport,” the actor said during a presscon yesterday at Conrad Manila.

“It was such a shame that I was not able to meet them and (greet) them personally. But being able to see them, I was very happy and I missed it a lot.”

During his latest visit, Min Ho expressed his interest to explore new experiences. He mentioned his desire to sample the famous lechon. Additionally, given the opportunity, he hoped for an opportunity to unwind in less-crowded parts of the country.  

“I would want to go to the islands like Cebu which are very well-known and very crowded. But I would love to go to secret islands and spend time (there). I think it will be really fun to camp as well,” Min Ho said.

“If anyone can tell me about the secret islands… in secret, I will be very grateful,” he further quipped.

As the recently appointed ambassador for SM Development Corp. (SMDC), Min Ho was asked by The STAR about his ideal home. He shared his strong preference for a minimalist living space, stating, “I think I prefer homes that do not have a lot of things inside.”

“But of course, everything depends on the preferences of the person. Some people really feel comfort and safety whenever there are a lot of appliances at home… This differs from person to person, but everything is very important,” he added.

Also asked by this paper for his Top 3 house essentials, Min Ho laughingly mentioned a double king size bed.

“A sofa is very important because it allows us to create a space where we can gather and do a lot of things,” he continued.

“I think a microwave would be really important, too.”

During the press conference, he hinted at an unnamed project and the Season 2 of his popular series, Pachinko. Nonetheless, he couldn’t help but express his surprise and amazement at still being recognized for his lead role in Boys Over Flowers.

“There are still people who call me Gu Jun Pyo and I’m very surprised by this, to think… Boys Over Flowers (aired)… was it 13 years ago? It’s really amazing to see how the project that we did so long ago can be continuously influential to other people and also continuously be remembered by other people,” said Min Ho of his 2009 drama. 

“That is why, like what I said a while ago, (watch out) for the next season of Pachinko and my other upcoming dramas. I would always try my best to be able to create different projects that can also last and that people can remember for years and decades.”

Min Ho also provided some insight into the “secret” of his long-lasting career.

He honestly said, “Whenever I try to do a new project, I do not try to set a new, separate goal or a specific objective that I want to achieve. But I will always try to show my true self and always do my best through these different projects… I think that helps me a lot.”

In response to another STAR question about how he harnesses both the pressure and support from his fans to enhance his acting, he explained, “I think the good pressure that I received is really helping me a lot. Whenever I would have different projects, I would go to different fields, work with dozens of people or different staff, also use different resources, it allows me to receive this good pressure and keeps me motivated.”

“I use these different pressures when I arrive at places where there are a lot of people or whenever we get to shoot projects. It helps me a lot and it keeps me well,” he further said.

Meanwhile, Min Ho’s recent visit to the Philippines was made possible by leading property developer SMDC, which has enlisted the beloved K-drama leading man for its latest advertising campaign.

Renowned for roles in iconic K-series such as Boys Over Flowers, City Hunter, The Heirs, The Legend of the Blue Sea, The King: Eternal Monarch and Pachinko, Min Ho has secured his status as a household name not only in South Korea but around the world, including in the Philippines.

His popularity was reaffirmed when he was voted most favorite actor, for the fifth consecutive year, in the 2022 Overseas Hallyu Report, a comprehensive international survey conducted across 18 countries by the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in collaboration with the Korean Foundation for International Culture Exchange (KOFICE).