Lee Min Ho has reigned supreme for 13 years despite his films receiving negative reviews, overshadowing even Hyun Bin.

For the past 13 years, despite Song Hye Kyo's hugely successful "The Glory" and Hyun Bin's globally sensational "Crash Landing on You," the crown of "Most Popular Korean Actor" has remained unbroken by a single figure: Lee Min Ho.

In the surging tide of the Hallyu wave, 13 years is not just a time milestone; it's a powerful affirmation of its "unique" position. Since the sensational hit Boys Over Flowers in 2009, Lee Min Ho has set a gold standard for the male lead archetype: wealthy, cool, yet deeply in love.

Oddly enough, while his contemporaries and juniors strive to change their image to maintain their popularity, Lee Min Ho chooses to remain firmly rooted in his own glory, yet no one can dethrone him. Influence surveys over the years reveal an interesting fact: positions from 2nd to 5th fluctuate wildly, but the number one spot is an impenetrable fortress.

Looking at the picture over the last five years (2021-2025), we see a fierce race behind Lee Min Ho.

Hyun Bin once rose to prominence, threatening the top spot thanks to the immense popularity of the hit drama Crash Landing on You. However, without sufficiently substantial follow-up projects, "Captain Ri" quickly relinquished his position.

Gong Yoo – the "goblin" of every household – maintains a consistent position in the top 5, but he seems to lack a bit of "luck" to claim the highest crown.

Song Hye Kyo is undoubtedly the most outstanding female representative. After the hit drama *The Glory*, her ranking skyrocketed, proving that the status of a "national treasure of beauty" has never gone out of style.

Furthermore, 2025 will see IU rise to the top 3 and Kim Soo Hyun make a spectacular comeback thanks to the Queen of Tears (2024) effect.

Nevertheless, all those illustrious names, with their blockbuster works, could only play the roles of pursuers. Lee Min Ho's voting percentage consistently remained at a difference of 6.4% to over 9%, making any attempt to overthrow him an "impossible task".

Lee Min Ho's career hasn't been all roses. In fact, he's one of the most controversial actors professionally. Critics often give him a harsh look, saying Lee Min Ho is too "lazy" to change, remaining typecast in the image of a wealthy, regal man from The Heirs to The King: Eternal Monarch.

The peak of disappointment came in 2025, when two highly anticipated blockbuster projects, *All-Knowing Reader* and *Ask Why*, were released simultaneously but were labeled "flops," even "trash," due to disjointed scripts and uninspired acting. However, this is where the "Lee Min Ho paradox" emerged: the films might be bad, but Lee Min Ho couldn't help but become a hot star.

Despite the criticism, every time Lee Min Ho appears, international media frenzy erupts. The massive viewership and engagement from Southeast Asia, China, and even the US and Europe have saved all his projects. For the general audience, they don't need Lee Min Ho to perform like a theatrical actor; they need Lee Min Ho for who he is – an icon of perfection and high-class sophistication.

Why is it that the Korean entertainment industry, with thousands of excellent scripts and hundreds of talented actors, can't find a replacement for Lee Min Ho? The answer lies in the synergy between timing and personal brand.

Lee Min Ho is one of the rare artists who amassed a huge international fanbase very early on, right when social media began to explode. He became the "first love" of millions of global viewers during the golden age of Korean dramas. This bond is enduring and absolutely loyal, far exceeding the value of a single work.

Song Hye Kyo's true personality is exposed by her colleagues; is she as good as rumored? Hà Min17:16:27 19/03/2026Since becoming an A-list star, Song Hye Kyo has consistently been a prominent figure in the media and on social networks. Every aspect of her life, from her career and personal life to her lifestyle, easily becomes the focus of public attention.