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Get to Know “Pachinko” Actor Lee Minho
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Adapted from the bestselling book of the same name, the upcoming Apple TV+ drama series “Pachinko” tells the story of a Korean immigrant family as they struggle to find their way after immigrating to Japan. The “Pachinko” cast features Jin Ha, Anna Sawai, Minha Kim, Soji Arai, Kaho Minami, and Lee Minho – who plays Hansu, a mysterious outsider who’s associated with organised crime. “I could really relate to the strength and resilience of the people who had to live those desperate and difficult times,” Minho told Variety about his “much darker” role. “And my character Hansu has his own way of survival, which is quite heartbreaking.”
Though American audiences may not be as familiar with Minho’s work, he’s acted in a handful of movies and TV shows, including “Legend of the Blue Sea,” “The King: Eternal Monarch,” and “Boys Over Flowers,” which is considered his breakthrough role. In the latter, he plays Gu Jun Pyo, an heir to a giant business conglomerate, and we’re sure that his role in “Pachinko” will be another standout performance.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up some interesting facts about the 34-year-old Korean actor before “Pachinko” premieres on March 25. Read on to learn more about the multitalented heartthrob.
Getty / VCG
He Was Known as Lee Min at the Start of His Career
At the start of his acting career, the Korean heartthrob’s stage name was Lee Min. Because the name also means “immigration” in Korean, his fans struggled to find him online, so Minho switched back to his real name soon after.
Getty / Han Myung-Gu
He Dreamed of Becoming of a Soccer Player
Growing up, the soccer enthusiast set his sights on becoming a professional player until an injury in elementary school derailed his plans. By his sophomore year of high school, Minho refocused his attention to acting.
Getty / The Chosunilbo JNS
He Enlisted in the Army at Age 30
In 2017, Minho enlisted in the military but was deemed unfit for combat due to injuries he sustained from a deadly car accident nearly a decade prior. Instead, he served as a public service worker after completing four weeks of basic military training.
Getty / VCG
He Sings, Too
When he’s not busy sifting through scripts, Minho is cooking up catchy tunes in the studio. His two EPs, “My Everything” and “Song For You,” reached number five and three on the Gaon Music Chart, respectively.
