Lee Min-ho

The space-themed drama When the Stars Gossip was criticised for dialogue considered vulgar or outdated concerning sex, pregnancy and women's bodies, as well as poor viewing figures despite a reported budget of approximately 50 billion won. Lee's character, a gynaecologist, featured in several of the most-discussed scenes.

State of the evidence

Documented

It emerged that the Seoul tax authorities had conducted a special tax audit of Lee and MYM Entertainment and imposed additional taxes amounting to several hundred million won.

Attribution

Directly implicated

Pachinko, in which Lee plays a leading role, received a muted reception in Japan while directly addressing Japan's colonial rule over Korea, discrimination against Zainichi Koreans and forced labour. Its release revived debates over historical revisionism and tensions surrounding Japanese–Korean historical memory.

State of the evidence

Documented

Dispatch published photographs of Lee and Suzy in London, and their agencies confirmed their relationship. Over more than two years, repeated breakup rumours circulated and were denied before their separation was finally confirmed in November 2017.

State of the evidence

Confirmed

Attribution

Personally implicated

Manufacturers sold cosmetic masks under Lee Min-ho's name, using his image from the drama Faith without permission. Lee obtained an injunction prohibiting sales and, on appeal, 100 million won in compensation for infringement of his publicity rights.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Protagonist is the complainant

Photographs of Lee and Park Min-young, co-stars in City Hunter, revealed their relationship. His agency initially issued contradictory statements before confirming that they were dating. Their breakup several months later triggered further speculation, including unsupported allegations that the relationship had been staged for publicity.

State of the evidence

Confirmed

Attribution

Personally implicated

An old photograph of Lee with surgeons at a cosmetic clinic prompted speculation that he had undergone plastic surgery.

Attribution

Directly implicated