'Pachinko': How Lee Min-ho cheated death to become one of South Korea's biggest stars
Apple TV+'s first-ever K-Drama 'Pachinko' that revolves around an epic tale of survival, love, hopes, and dreams of a Korean immigrant family spanned across four generations, is one of the most anticipated shows that drops soon.
Featuring an incredible cast, 'Pachinko' is already being hailed as a masterpiece that must be watched. But did you know that one of the cast members wouldn't be here today if he hadn't miraculously cheated death? That's right, world-famous actor Lee Min-ho, who plays Koh Hansu, might be known for his high-octane stunts, fight scenes, martial arts, sword fights, and more in his works, but was once extremely close to death. So, read on to know more about how his past could have changed it all.
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Lee Min-ho cheated death to survive TWO fatal accidents!
While the actor may be at the top of his game right now, some incidents in his past could have easily taken his life, leading to an early demise. The popular K-star was involved in not one but two fatal car accidents that nearly claimed his life. In 2006, the 'Boys Over Flowers' star and his fellow actor friend Jung Il Woo went on vacation together, which is where they had a brush with death. Both of them were mere 19 years old at that time. They drove a car to Gangwon province with two other friends but on the way, they were hit head-on by another car coming from the opposite lane and the impact completely wrecked the hood and engine of their car.
It was later revealed that the vehicle that hit them was running away from a hit-and-run mishap and steered off course and crashed into Lee Min-ho and his friends’ car. Unfortunately for the actor, his two friends who were sitting in the front were instantly killed, leaving him and Jung Il-woo as the only survivors. Lee Min-ho was bedridden for months and had broken ribs, thighs, and ankle.
The year 2011 saw the actor get into another car crash on the set of his drama 'City Hunter' which left him shaken up. The actor escaped death and miraculously survived once again, with only minor injuries. Thanking his lucky stars Lee Min-ho had told Allkpop, "The witnesses said it was a miracle I am still alive. I feel fine now, except that my back still hurts.”
Thankfully that actor is healthy and well now, boasting of a good amount of hit works like 'The King: Eternal Monarch', 'Boys Over Flowers', 'The Legend of the Blue Sea', and more. A top Hallyu star who is the most followed South Korean actor on social media and the first Korean celebrity to have a wax figure made in his image at Madame Tussaud, Lee Min-ho continues to hold the top rank.
'Pachinko' premieres its first three episodes on March 25, 2022, on Apple TV+ with new episodes to follow weekly.