Lee Minho: Reflecting on Life, Career, and Finding Inspiration Through Writing

Lee Minho: Reflecting on Life, Career, and Finding Inspiration Through Writing

Lee Minho: Reflecting on Life, Career, and Finding Inspiration Through Writing

Four years ago, Lee Minho, one of South Korea’s most celebrated actors, found himself at a turning point. Best known for his breakthrough role in Boys Over Flowers, Lee was yearning for a significant shift in his career. His fame as the star of beloved dramas had placed him at the pinnacle of the entertainment industry, but he craved something different—something deeper.


It was during this transitional period that the script for Pachinko came his way. The drama, based on Min Jin Lee’s critically acclaimed novel, follows the struggles and triumphs of four generations of a Korean immigrant family. For Lee Minho, this project resonated with him in ways he hadn’t expected. He felt that Pachinko held the power to transcend time, speaking to both the present and future.


In a conversation from Seoul, Lee reflected on his role as Koh Hansu in Pachinko, his approach to acting, and the significance of family, creativity, and solitude in his life. Through the lens of this role, Lee shares insights into his creative process, his grounding in reality despite the glitz of fame, and his lifelong pursuit of new experiences. Below, we dive into the mind of a man who constantly seeks meaning and connection in an ever-evolving world.

The Role of Koh Hansu: A Character Steeped in Complexity

When Lee Minho first read the script for Pachinko, he was immediately drawn to the complexity of Koh Hansu, the morally ambiguous broker at a fish market who becomes romantically involved with Sunja, the central character played by Minha Kim. Hansu's life choices lead him down a dark and often controversial path, yet Lee saw the depth of humanity within the character.


“My heart broke for him,” Lee said, reflecting on Hansu’s struggles. “I pitied him because of the way he lived and the survival methods he had to choose.” The actor was captivated by Hansu’s emotional journey, finding echoes of universal human suffering and resilience in his story.


Lee’s portrayal of Hansu goes beyond the surface-level charm of his earlier roles. In Pachinko, he delves into the intricate emotions of a man grappling with his identity, his past, and his future, all while navigating the morally grey areas of life. Hansu's relationship with Sunja and their son Noa adds a layer of tragedy to his already burdened existence.


It was not only the story itself but the way Pachinko explored historical and familial dynamics that intrigued Lee. The multi-generational saga, which spans from early 20th-century Korea to modern Japan, allowed him to explore themes that transcended mere personal gain or loss. “This was a story that would resonate with people across time,” Lee explained. “It was fateful for me.”

Family: The Foundation of Self-Understanding

Playing the role of Hansu also gave Lee the opportunity to reflect on his own relationship with family. In Pachinko, Hansu’s connection to Sunja and Noa becomes a powerful reminder of the ways in which family defines us, for better or worse.


For Lee, family is at the core of his being. “The people who make me realize who I am are the people closest to me,” he shared. His own family—his mother, father, and sister—play a central role in his life, providing him with the stability and support that his demanding career sometimes lacks.


Lee often speaks about how his family helps him stay grounded amidst the pressures of fame. While his professional life involves international travel, red-carpet events, and global recognition, his family offers him a reminder of his roots. In his moments of self-reflection, he often turns to them for perspective.

Finding Solitude in a Busy World

For someone constantly in the public eye, Lee craves moments of solitude to recharge. After being surrounded by people and the buzz of his career, he returns to his quiet home in Seoul to unwind. In these moments, he retreats from the glamorous life he’s known and focuses on the simple pleasures that bring him peace.


Lee’s ability to disconnect from the outside world allows him to re-center himself. "When I spend a lot of time with people outside, I need serenity at home," he admitted. His hobbies, such as watching YouTube videos and playing games like League of Legends, provide him with a sense of normalcy. These activities allow him to temporarily escape the pressures of fame and dive into other worlds.


In recent years, cycling has also become a way for Lee to reconnect with himself. “The most charming part about cycling is that I am the engine of the bicycle,” he mused. As he pedals through the streets, he enjoys the freedom to control his own speed and direction. This newfound passion for cycling reflects Lee’s desire to take charge of his life and his journey, both literally and figuratively.

Writing as a Creative Outlet

Beyond acting, Lee has found another form of creative expression that has been essential to his personal and professional growth: writing. While preparing for a role, Lee often writes down his thoughts, exploring the emotions and psychology of his characters through short poems and sentences.


“I use the Notes app on my phone,” he said. “Whenever I get inspiration or feel something, I go there and write it down.” For Lee, writing is a way to process his thoughts and channel his creative energy. Whether it's for a role or a personal reflection, his writing helps him organize his ideas and capture fleeting moments of inspiration.


This habit of writing not only aids him in his acting but also allows him to stay connected with his emotions. It’s a deeply personal ritual that helps him process the complexity of the characters he plays, such as Hansu in Pachinko. Writing from the perspective of his character enables him to understand them more intimately, allowing him to bring greater depth and authenticity to his performances.

The Power of Nature

Lee Minho also draws inspiration from nature. Whether it's the towering majesty of mountains or the quiet beauty of a secluded lake, he finds peace and clarity when surrounded by the natural world. In his twenties, Lee traveled frequently to New Zealand, where the vast landscapes helped him reflect on life and his place in the universe.


The location of Pachinko offered him similar experiences. While filming in Canada, Lee visited Niagara Falls on his days off, recharging in the presence of nature’s power. “When you’re in front of Mother Nature, you feel how feeble and vulnerable you are as a human being,” he shared. For Lee, these moments of humility help him stay connected to the bigger picture, reminding him of his own vulnerability amidst the grandeur of life.

Constantly Seeking New Experiences

At 37, Lee Minho remains a seeker. He is always looking for new experiences, whether it’s trying out a new hobby, like cycling, or immersing himself in different roles and projects. “I am the kind of person who always seeks something new,” he said, “rather than lingering on the things I’ve already experienced.”


This curiosity and openness to change are what keep Lee motivated and energized. He thrives on the excitement of learning something new, even if it’s unfamiliar or outside of his comfort zone. His willingness to embrace new challenges has not only enriched his career but also his personal life.

Connecting With the Past Through Travel

Whenever Lee travels, he makes it a point to visit historical sites. These places allow him to imagine the lives of those who lived in the past, sparking his imagination and creativity in unexpected ways. “I become immersed in the era,” he explained, “picturing what those people were thinking, how they laughed, cried, and moved in their daily lives.”


These historical journeys help Lee stay grounded, offering him a sense of continuity between the past and present. They also fuel his creative process, giving him fresh ideas and perspectives for his work.

Music: A Companion on Set

While filming Pachinko, Lee often turned to music to stay focused and emotionally connected to his character. Rather than listening to popular songs with lyrics, he opted for classical music, such as pieces by Beethoven and Mozart. The absence of lyrics allowed him to concentrate on the emotions of the scene, providing a backdrop to the internal world of Koh Hansu.


When he's not on set, Lee's taste in music is more eclectic. He enjoys listening to artists like Justin Bieber and Shawn Mendes, finding comfort in their melodies and rhythms. Music has always been a source of solace for him, offering both an emotional outlet and a way to stay centered during the chaos of filming.

A Reflection on Humanity in a Changing World

As Lee looks toward the future, he reflects on the growing role of artificial intelligence and virtual worlds in modern life. “We are spending less and less time with each other in person,” he observed. As technology continues to evolve, he believes it’s more important than ever to think about what makes us human and what kinds of stories we should be telling.


In a world where connection is often digital, Lee remains committed to finding and telling stories that resonate on a human level. Through his acting, writing, and personal reflections, he seeks to explore the complexities of life, love, and identity in ways that transcend borders and time.


For Lee Minho, the journey is far from over. Whether through his roles on screen or his quiet moments of reflection, he continues to search for meaning, connection, and creativity in all aspects of his life.