In a recent appearance on tvN’s “Ask the Stars,” actor Lee Min-ho opened up about his experiences filming the hit drama “Boys Over Flowers,” which catapulted him to stardom 16 years ago. This marks his first public comment regarding the series in over a decade, stirring nostalgia among fans.
Memorable Moments from the Drama
During the show, Lee Min-ho recalled the intense reactions he received after the first episode aired. He humorously noted that his mini-hompi (a personal homepage) was flooded with curses from viewers upset about his character’s bullying of Geum Jan-di, played by Gong Hyo-jin. He stated, “After the first episode, my mini-hompi was plastered with all sorts of curses for bullying. I thought, is this a big deal? But after the second episode, I started to receive affection as much as I had received hate.”
Controversial Scenes Still Resonate
Lee Min-ho also addressed some of the more controversial scenes from “Boys Over Flowers.” When Gong Hyo-jin pointed out that if such scenes were aired today, they would likely face backlash, he responded, “It’s not a complaint, but it can’t be broadcasted.” He referenced specific moments involving school violence and the use of fire extinguishers, stating that everyone was quite taken aback back then, and even now, those scenes are still discussed and memed.
Reflecting on His Transformation
The actor humorously acknowledged how absurd some of those moments seemed even to him now. “I was out of my mind even when I looked at my hair,” he said, reminiscing about his desperate audition look. His candid reflections highlight not only his growth as an actor but also how perceptions of media content have evolved over time.
A Legacy That Endures
“Boys Over Flowers,” which aired in 2009, remains a cultural touchstone in Korean drama history, achieving a peak viewership rating of 33.7%. Lee Min-ho’s portrayal of Gu Jun-pyo not only earned him critical acclaim but also solidified his status as a leading Hallyu star. As he reflects on his past experiences, it’s clear that the impact of “Boys Over Flowers” continues to resonate with fans and shape Lee Min-ho’s career today.
