OSEN DB.Why Lee Min-ho Halted His Career at Peak Fame
Lee Min-ho recently opened up about why he famously declared that he needed a break from the entertainment industry right after shooting to superstardom with the hit drama Boys Over Flowers. Appearing on the YouTube channel ‘Zzanhan Brother Shin Dong-yup’ on September 14, 2026 alongside Ryu Hye-young, the actor reflected on the massive changes in his life.
Reflecting on the whirlwind success of the KBS2 series, Lee shared that an instant public persona of ‘Lee Min-ho’ was created overnight. However, he admitted to feeling a deep sense of alienation and struggled to adapt to the sudden shift. Despite receiving endless casting offers and high-value love calls at the height of his popularity, he made the unexpected choice to request a hiatus. After finishing essential advertisement schedules, he told his management agency that he needed time to rest, leading to an intentional gap before his next acting project.
Finding Self-Identity Amidst Sudden Stardom
Rather than chasing momentum, the South Korean actor realized he needed time for introspection to understand his own values and anchor himself amid the overwhelming attention. OSEN DB reports that beyond his serious public image, Lee also revealed a charmingly clumsy side, using playful text message tones to avoid sounding cold. He even reminisced about his famous red carpet tumble at the Baeksang Arts Awards, which host Shin Dong-yup praised as a relatable and endearing human moment. By candidly discussing the struggles behind his glamorous image and his relatable off-screen personality, Lee Min-ho offered fans a deeper look into his authentic journey.
