Although Lee Min Ho found a few opportunities to meet with fans after finishing his hit drama "The Heirs," future fan activities may need to be put on hold. The actor plans on taking part in one last fan meeting during March before getting ready for his upcoming film "Gangnam Blues." Lee Min Ho's last scheduled fan meeting will take place in Yokohama, Japan.
His agency, Starhaus Entertainment recently released a statement about the actor's altered film schedule.
"We have to postpone performances that we planned because he needs to focus on filming for the time being," said the Starhaus representative.
Last year, Lee Min Ho's foreign fan events took him to China, Japan, Malaysia and the Philippines. And the offers to stage similar fan events in other locations keep coming in from around the world.
"We are reviewing plenty of offers," said the Starhaus representative. "But for now Lee Min Ho will concentrate on the film. The performances may take place in the second half of the year."
"I have to focus on my current plans," said the actor. "But we will plan future shows in which I hope again to meet my fans."
"Gangnam Blues" will be the popular actor's first film role. The film is set in Seoul during the 1970s when the now fashionable Gangnam area was being developed. At the time there was a struggle between the political leaders and gangsters to control the lucrative real estate development. It's a dark story of corruption and power struggles.
And it's a much darker role for Lee Min Ho than his recent role as Kim Tan, the high school heir. Some see it as a smart move for his career; a way to prove his longevity after he ages out of high school roles. While he became wildly popular because of his role as a spoiled high school student in "Boys Over Flowers," many prefer his older characters, his dark revenge-driven character in "City Hunter" or his Joseon-era warrior in "Faith: The Great Doctor."
Although it was rumored that Hyun Bin was originally sought to play the "Gangnam Blues" role, the director said he wanted Lee Min Ho.
"Though other actors were interested, I saw Lee Min Ho in the role," said director Yoo Ha. "His ability, charm and good looks will add another dimension to the character he is playing."
Filming begins in April and the film's release is expected late in 2014