Lee Min Ho is defending his status as the world's most-loved Korean actor after ranking first in a recent survey.
According to a media outlet, the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism revealed the results of the "2023 Overseas Korean Wave Survey" showing a list of top celebrities. Interestingly, the "Pachinko" star remains the No. 1 star, beating industry's equally-talented and big names.
Lee Min Ho Remains Top Celebrity at the '2023 Overseas Korean Wave Survey'
Aside from his global recognition through his recent work with Apple TV+, Lee Min Ho receives another achievement after being recognized by the tourism department.
Based on the survey conducted in 26 countries and 25,000 people, 9.1 percent of votes chose the 35-year-old top star as the world's most-loved Korean actor. Interestingly, he has been topping the chart for 5 consecutive years since 2018.
Lee Min Ho rose to fame after headlining the rom-com series "Boys Over Flowers," together with Kim Bum, Kim Hyun Joong, Kim Joon, and Goo Hye Sun, in 2009.
Since then, he continued to capture the attention of the public through his hit K-dramas "City Hunter," "Personal Taste," "The Heirs," "Legend of the Blue Sea," "The King: Eternal Monarch," and more.
Apart from that, the global market saw his influence worldwide, and was selected by luxury companies like Fendi, Hugo Boss, and Louis Vuitton to represent the brands.
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Adding to the list of his achievement is being among the most-followed Korean celebrities, with over 32.29 million followers on Instagram. With this, he surpassed his fellow top actors like Gong Yoo and Hyun Bin.
Meanwhile, "The Glory" star Song Hye Kyo is the only female Korean celebrity who made it on top 5.
For the list of top 5 celebrities who made it to the "2023 Overseas Korean Wave Survey," check out the list below.
- Lee Min Ho (9.1%)
- Gong Yoo (2.7%)
- Hyun Bin (2.4%)
- Song Hye Kyo (2.0%)
- Lee Jong Suk (1.5%)
What's Next for Lee Min Ho?
Over Lee Min Ho's Instagram, the actor has been showing a glimpse of his life in Canada as he films the much-awaited "Pachinko 2."
The top star will reprise his role as a wealthy fish broker named Ko Han Su, who is a native Korean but moved to Japan for a better life.
In the drama, Lee Min Ho is joined by veteran actress Youn Yuh Jung and Kim Min Ha, who both played the role of Sunja.
Besides Canada, the production will also shoot some of the scenes in Japan.
Apart from "Pachinko 2," Lee Min Ho also wrapped up his K-drama comeback with Gong Hyo Jin for the new rom-com series "Ask the Stars."
In the series, he will play the role of OB-GYNE Gong Ryong, who went on a space expedition as a tourist and meets the American-Korean astronaut Eve Kim played by Gong Hyo Jin.
