Lee Min-ho Celebrates 38th Birthday Amid Fan Adoration and Criticism

South Korean actor Lee Min-ho marked his 38th birthday on June 22, 2025, with an extravagant celebration fueled by devoted fans worldwide. The star, renowned for his roles in Boys Over Flowers, The Heirs, and The Legend of the Blue Sea, shared photos on social media revealing a room overflowing with lavish gifts, including balloons, cakes, flower bouquets, high-end brand items, and handmade cards. Dressed in a simple black outfit and beaming with gratitude, Lee posted, “I am grateful for the love that allows me to exist today. I hope you are as happy as I am”.

The scale of the fan gestures—ranging from personalized photo frames to luxury gifts—sparked a wave of discussion online. While many praised Lee’s enduring popularity and the heartfelt support from his global fanbase, others criticized the tradition of extravagant gifting, suggesting that, at this stage in his career, the actor should politely decline such offerings and instead focus on the sentiment behind them. The debate highlights ongoing tensions in South Korean fan culture, where the boundaries between admiration and excess are frequently contested.

Amid the birthday buzz, anticipation is mounting for Lee Min-ho’s next major project. The actor is set to star as Yoo Joong-hyuk in Omniscient Reader: The Prophet, the biggest-budget Korean film of 2025. Stills and posters from the production showcase Lee’s intense transformation for the role, with the film scheduled to premiere in South Korean theaters on July 23, 2025. The movie, which blurs the lines between fiction and reality, sees Lee’s character wielding supernatural abilities to confront monsters and save humanity, further fueling excitement among fans and industry watchers alike.

As Lee Min-ho continues to captivate audiences both on and off screen, his 38th birthday celebration stands as a testament to his global influence—and the passionate, sometimes controversial, devotion of his fans.