Lee Min-ho Named Top Actor Boosting Korea’s Global Image in Government Survey

Korean Actor Achieves Highest Actor Ranking in National Image Survey

Actor Lee Min-ho has secured fourth place in the South Korean government’s annual assessment of individuals who positively influence the nation’s image abroad, marking the highest ranking achieved by any actor in the survey’s history. The recognition comes from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s recently released “2025 National Image Survey of Korea,” which evaluates global perceptions of the country and identifies the figures most responsible for shaping those views.

This placement positions Lee Min-ho among an elite group of cultural ambassadors, ranking behind only K-pop powerhouse BTS, football superstar Son Heung-min, and global girl group BLACKPINK. His consistent presence in the upper echelons of the survey since its methodology was revised in 2018 demonstrates his enduring appeal and sustained influence on international audiences. The survey specifically asks respondents to name Koreans who have positively influenced Korea’s image, making Lee’s fourth-place finish particularly meaningful as a reflection of his personal contribution to the country’s soft power.

The achievement represents another milestone in a year filled with honors for the actor, who celebrated his 20th anniversary in the entertainment industry in 2025. His ability to maintain relevance and popularity across two decades of rapidly changing media landscapes speaks to both his talent and strategic career choices that have kept him connected with global audiences.

Korea’s Global Image Reaches Record High

The survey results arrive alongside broader positive news about South Korea’s international standing. According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, South Korea’s national image abroad has reached its highest level since the government began tracking the metric in 2018. The “2025 Korea National Image Survey” revealed that 82.3 percent of respondents held a favorable view of Korea, marking a 3.3 percentage point increase from 2024 and representing the highest figure recorded in the survey’s history.

The poll was conducted throughout October 2025, surveying 13,000 people across 26 countries. This comprehensive methodology provides a robust snapshot of global perceptions at a time when South Korean cultural exports continue to dominate international entertainment markets. The rise in favorability suggests that despite global economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, the positive associations with Korean culture, technology, and products continue to strengthen worldwide.

By country, the United Arab Emirates posted the highest favorability toward Korea at 94.8 percent, followed by Egypt at 94 percent, the Philippines at 91.4 percent, Turkey at 90.2 percent, India at 89 percent and South Africa at 88.8 percent. The ministry noted that strong results from the Middle East and Africa may reflect a positive environment for cooperation, shaped by increasingly active exchanges between Korea and countries in those regions.

Thailand and the United Kingdom recorded some of the largest year-on-year gains. Favorability in Thailand rose 9.4 percentage points, from 76.8 percent to 86.2 percent, rebounding after a sharp dip the previous year. The UK’s score climbed 9.2 percentage points to 87.4 percent, marking the first time it has exceeded the overall average and making it the only European country to do so.

Cultural Content Drives Positive Perceptions

When asked what most positively shaped their overall perception of Korea, respondents most frequently cited cultural content, including K-pop, dramas and films, with 45.2 percent selecting it as the top factor. This finding underscores the immense value of the Hallyu wave, or Korean Wave, which has transformed Korea from a manufacturing economy into a cultural exporter with global influence.

Cultural content resonated most strongly among respondents in their 20s and younger, while those aged 50 and above were more likely to mention Korean products and brands. This generational difference highlights how Korea has successfully captured younger demographics worldwide through entertainment while maintaining its reputation for quality products among older consumers.

The influence of cultural content was particularly strong in the Asia-Pacific region, with 69.3 percent of respondents from the Philippines citing cultural content as a major reason for their favorable view of Korea, followed by Japan (64.4 percent), Indonesia (59.5 percent) and Vietnam (58.4 percent). These figures demonstrate how geographic proximity and cultural similarities have amplified the impact of Korean exports in neighboring countries.

Other factors that contributed positively to Korea’s image included modern lifestyle and culture (31.9 percent), products and brands (28.7 percent), and economic development (21.2 percent). In the Middle East and Africa, economic factors such as Korean brands and perceptions of Korea’s economic level played a larger role alongside cultural appeal.

The survey found that people most commonly encountered Korea through video platforms (64.4 percent), followed by social media (56.6 percent), websites (46.7 percent) and broadcast media (32.8 percent). This distribution reflects changing media consumption habits and the importance of digital platforms in spreading Korean cultural content globally.

Two Decades of Hallyu Leadership

Lee Min-ho’s journey to becoming one of Korea’s most recognized faces began with his debut in 2006. He rose to international stardom through hit dramas such as “Boys Over Flowers,” “The Heirs,” “The Legend of the Blue Sea” and “The King: Eternal Monarch.” These series not only garnered massive viewership across Asia but also found enthusiastic audiences in Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East, establishing Lee as a leading Hallyu star both at home and abroad.

“Boys Over Flowers” (2009) proved to be a breakout role that launched him into superstardom. The adaptation of the Japanese manga “Hana Yori Dango” became a cultural phenomenon across Asia, with Lee’s portrayal of the wealthy heir Gu Jun-pyo becoming iconic. The drama’s success opened doors for Korean content in markets that had previously consumed primarily Japanese or Western media.

His subsequent projects continued to build his global fanbase. “The Heirs” (2013) solidified his status as a romantic drama lead, while “The Legend of the Blue Sea” (2016-2017) paired him with actress Jun Ji-hyun in a fantasy romance that drew strong viewership throughout Asia. More recently, “The King: Eternal Monarch” (2020) showcased his ability to carry complex fantasy narratives while maintaining the romantic appeal that his fans love.

In a significant career shift, Lee Min-ho expanded into critically acclaimed international productions with the Apple TV+ series “Pachinko” (2022), based on the bestselling novel by Min Jin Lee. His role as Koh Hansu, a complex character spanning multiple timelines, demonstrated his acting range beyond romantic leads and earned praise from critics for his nuanced performance. The series introduced him to new audiences who might not have watched traditional K-dramas.

Most recently, he appeared in the film “Omniscient Reader” and is set to return to the big screen in director Hur Jin-ho’s upcoming film “Assassins.” These diverse projects show Lee’s conscious effort to challenge himself with different genres and formats as he enters the third decade of his career.

A Year of Honors and Recognition

The fourth-place ranking in the National Image Survey follows a series of recent honors that have capped what has been an extraordinary period for Lee Min-ho. Earlier, he was awarded a presidential citation at the “16th Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards,” one of the highest honors the government can bestow upon artists who have contributed to the development of Korea’s popular culture and arts.

Perhaps even more impressively, he ranked first for the 12th consecutive year as the most favored Korean actor worldwide in the “2025 Overseas Hallyu Survey,” which was jointly released by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange. This unprecedented run of 12 years at the top of actor rankings demonstrates remarkable longevity in an industry where popularity often proves fleeting.

The “Overseas Hallyu Survey” specifically targets consumers of Korean cultural content abroad, asking them to name their preferred Korean actors. Lee Min-ho’s 12-year consecutive reign speaks to his ability to evolve with changing tastes while maintaining the core elements that made him popular initially. In the same survey, he outperformed fellow A-list actors like Gong Yoo, Song Hye-kyo, and Kim Soo-hyun.

In an interview, Lee Min-ho reflected on his career trajectory, saying, “For me, my 20s were a time of experience, and the next 5-6 years were a time of defining what those experiences were, and now it seems to be a time of experiencing something new again.” He added, “That’s why I’m the most satisfied these days. I think I’m dreaming of freedom while feeling responsible.”

This perspective reveals how Lee Min-ho balances the expectations of his massive global fanbase with his personal artistic growth. Rather than resting on past successes, he continues to seek new challenges while acknowledging the responsibility that comes with his influential position.

The Top Influencers Shaping Korea’s Image

The complete list of Koreans who positively influenced the nation’s image provides insight into the diverse sources of Korea’s soft power. BTS topped the list with 7.9 percent of respondents naming the group, followed by football star Son Heung-min at 5.8 percent. The Tottenham Hotspur striker’s inclusion highlights how sports figures can serve as powerful cultural ambassadors, transcending language barriers through athletic excellence.

BLACKPINK secured third place with 4.7 percent, demonstrating the continued global dominance of K-pop’s most successful girl group. Their strategic partnerships with luxury brands and massive social media following have made them recognizable faces even among casual consumers of Korean content. Lee Min-ho followed in fourth place with 4.3 percent, making him the highest-ranked individual actor.

The remainder of the top ten included general categories of K-pop idol groups and singers (3.6 percent), BTS member Jungkook (2.5 percent), South Korean President Lee Jae-myung (1.9 percent), presidents and national leaders as a category (1.9 percent), Philippines-based comedian Ryan Bang (1.9 percent), and BLACKPINK member Lisa (1.9 percent).

The inclusion of political figures like President Lee Jae-myung alongside entertainment celebrities reflects the comprehensive nature of the survey, which considers all aspects of Korean representation abroad. However, the dominance of cultural figures in the upper rankings clearly indicates that entertainment and sports remain Korea’s most effective calling cards internationally.

The presence of Ryan Bang in the top ten highlights interesting regional variations in how Korean cultural exports are perceived. As a Korean comedian based in the Philippines who has become a television personality there, Bang represents the localized impact of Korean cultural figures who build bridges between countries through entertainment and cultural diplomacy.

Regional Variations in Perception

While the global results provide an overall picture of Korea’s image, the survey also revealed fascinating regional variations that highlight the complex nature of international perceptions. The Philippines, for instance, showed a distinct top ten list led by Ryan Bang at 46.2 percent and former 2NE1 member Sandara Park at 41.2 percent.

These results reflect the unique cultural exchange between Korea and the Philippines, where Korean entertainment has found enthusiastic audiences and Korean performers have built successful careers. Dancer and entertainer Dasuri Choi placed third with 10.4 percent, followed by Lee Min-ho with 8.8 percent and BLACKPINK with 6.2 percent. Even in this Philippines-specific list, Lee Min-ho maintained a strong presence, demonstrating his cross-regional appeal.

The survey also revealed that China and Japan, two of Korea’s most important neighbors, posted comparatively low favorability ratings at 62.8 percent and 42.2 percent, respectively. However, both improved from a year earlier, up 3.6 percentage points for China and 5.4 points for Japan. Japan’s figure was the highest recorded since the survey began, suggesting gradual improvement in bilateral relations despite historical and political tensions.

Another revealing finding was the gap between how Koreans view their own country and how it is perceived abroad. Although Koreans’ favorability toward their own country rose by 8.2 percentage points to 60.4 percent from the previous year, it still lagged well behind the global average of 82.3 percent. This disparity highlights a continuing difference between domestic self-perception and international image.

Challenges Behind the Positive Image

While the survey results are overwhelmingly positive, the report also identified areas where Korea faces challenges in maintaining and building its favorable image. In-depth interviews with around 70 highly engaged Korea observers, including international students in Korea, foreign correspondents and foreign nationals living overseas, revealed a more nuanced picture.

Interviewees noted that global audiences increasingly see Korea through a dual lens: a dynamic cultural powerhouse, but also a society shaped by intense competition and underlying tensions. Korea received its highest score for being perceived as an “innovative country with advanced technology,” at 80.3 points, but ranked near the bottom for “caring for the socially vulnerable” (66.6) and “embracing cultural diversity” (67.7).

International students, in particular, were described as arriving with high expectations shaped by K-content, but later reporting “invisible barriers” in everyday life. This reinforces the perception that Korea is “a great place to visit, but a difficult place to live.” Social inclusiveness was identified as a major negative factor affecting favorability.

Based on these findings, the report suggested that aligning more closely with global standards on labor, human rights, the environment and gender equality while strengthening social inclusiveness will be increasingly important for Korea’s long-term credibility. The country’s ability to address these internal challenges will be crucial to sustaining the positive image promoted by cultural ambassadors like Lee Min-ho.

Despite these challenges, the survey indicates that Korea’s cultural exports continue to generate enormous goodwill internationally. The combination of high-quality entertainment, technological innovation, and economic development has created a multifaceted positive image that continues to expand despite inevitable social growing pains.

Looking Ahead for Lee Min-ho and Hallyu

As Lee Min-ho looks toward the future, he shows no signs of slowing down or resting on his considerable achievements. In his recent interviews, he has expressed enthusiasm for new challenges and a desire to expand his artistic range. “I’m not afraid of trying new things that ordinary people might hesitate to try,” he said, adding that he “likes throwing myself into new environments and enjoys the process of establishing a new me with that energy.”

This mindset suggests that fans can expect Lee Min-ho to continue taking risks with roles and projects that push boundaries rather than simply repeating the formulas that made him famous. His upcoming film “Assassins” with director Hur Jin-ho will be another opportunity to demonstrate his versatility and commitment to craft.

Lee Min-ho also revealed that he draws inspiration from other successful artists who have evolved their careers over time. “I’m close with senior Lee Jung-jae these days, and I get inspired by his intense immersion in various things,” he said. “I often think that immersion and intensity in life can create a different kind of energy for myself.”

However, the actor also maintains boundaries regarding his personal life, despite his global fame. He expressed conviction that he does not want to reveal areas of his life beyond his work as an actor. “In fact, there are many new things I’m doing behind the scenes right now, but I can’t talk about them here,” he said. “I always want to stay hidden other than as an actor. There are so many things I have to be thankful for just by being an actor, but I don’t think that’s the kind of life view I personally pursue if I feel more burdened and less free as I open up about other aspects of my life.”

As Korea continues to leverage its cultural exports for diplomatic and economic advantage, figures like Lee Min-ho will play increasingly important roles as unofficial ambassadors. The survey results demonstrate that the government recognizes this value and is actively tracking the impact of cultural figures on national image. With two decades of experience and proven global appeal, Lee Min-ho is likely to remain at the forefront of Korea’s cultural diplomacy for years to come.

The Bottom Line

• Lee Min-ho ranked fourth in the “2025 National Image Survey of Korea” by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the highest position achieved by an actor.
• The survey was conducted across 26 countries with 13,000 respondents and showed Korea’s favorability at a record 82.3 percent.
• BTS topped the list of positive influencers at 7.9 percent, followed by Son Heung-min (5.8 percent), BLACKPINK (4.7 percent), and Lee Min-ho (4.3 percent).
• Lee Min-ho has ranked first for 12 consecutive years as the most favored Korean actor worldwide in the “Overseas Hallyu Survey.”
• Cultural content including K-pop, dramas, and films was cited by 45.2 percent of respondents as the top factor shaping their positive view of Korea.
• The actor celebrated his 20th anniversary in the industry in 2025 and received a presidential citation at the “16th Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards.”
• Lee Min-ho recently appeared in the film “Omniscient Reader” and will next appear in director Hur Jin-ho’s “Assassins.”
• The Philippines showed unique results with comedian Ryan Bang and former 2NE1 member Sandara Park topping the list of positive influencers.
• Despite overall positive perceptions, challenges remain in areas like social inclusiveness, caring for vulnerable populations, and embracing cultural diversity.
• Video platforms (64.4 percent) and social media (56.6 percent) are the primary ways people encounter Korean content internationally.