Hallyu heartthrob Lee Min-Ho turned 38 recently, and as always, Minoz around the world didn’t hold back in showing their love. The actor, known for delivering iconic K-dramas like Boys Over Flowers, City Hunter, The Heirs, The Legend of the Blue Sea, and The King: Eternal Monarch, gave fans a glimpse into his extravagant birthday celebration. But while the flowers bloomed and birthday cakes stacked high, not everyone was smiling.
Taking to Instagram, the K-drama superstar shared a carousel of snaps from his special day — a celebration bursting with balloons, designer gifts, and love-infused letters. Alongside the photos, he penned a heartfelt caption:
“Grateful once again today for the immense love that keeps me going. I hope you feel just as much happiness as I do.”
But soon after, things took a surprising turn.
While many flooded the comments with adoration, some netizens began questioning Lee Min-Ho’s decision to publicly accept fan gifts at this stage of his career. Critics argued that someone of his stature and financial success should be setting a different example.
“At his level, it’s normal to politely decline gifts and just appreciate the thought,” one user commented. Another chimed in, “More socially conscious celebrities stopped accepting gifts years ago. This feels tone-deaf in today’s climate.”
Others even took a harsher tone, saying it looked like “poor people giving offerings to the rich,” with one netizen calling the gesture “immature” and another wondering, “Why is he still accepting fan-sponsored gifts at 38?”
Fans vs. Critics: A Digital Tug-of-War
The backlash led to a heated debate online, with fans rallying behind their beloved star. “It’s our way of showing love — he didn’t ask for anything,” one supporter argued. Others emphasized that these gestures are voluntary and cherished by both sides.
Meanwhile, comparisons were drawn to other celebs like Park Bo-Gum and G-Dragon, who have made headlines for turning down birthday gifts in favor of charitable acts or minimalist celebrations. “It’s a personal choice,” a user wrote. “Some stars feel more loved through receiving, some through giving. To each their own.”
What’s Next for Lee Min-Ho?
Despite the unexpected birthday drama, Lee Min-Ho remains one of Korea’s most adored actors. With two decades in the industry and a fanbase that spans continents, he’s now gearing up for his next big-screen venture — Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint — a highly anticipated project already generating buzz.
Whether you’re Team Gifts or Team Gratitude, one thing’s clear — Lee Min-Ho still knows how to spark conversations, and he’s not stepping out of the spotlight anytime soon.
