Lee Min-ho's best K-drama fashion moments: Curls, royal coats to space-age chic in When The Stars Gossip

He shoots, he scores—that’s Lee Min-ho’s unspoken rule in the K-drama fashion game. Whether he’s ruling empires, traversing time-bending love stories, or falling in love with a mermaid, the actor’s style evolution on screen has kept fans hooked, not just to the plot, but also to what he’s wearing. Now, with his latest role in When the Stars Gossip, Lee Min-ho has elevated his style to a different dimension, as his fans put it.

So, here’s looking at his unusual style over the years, with a little help from Dubai-based fashion entrepreneurs. What’s your favourite look?

Boys over Flowers – Prep school royalty

Ah, the curly hair that still makes the actor cringe. Yet his fans like Maria Lettner, a Dubai-based and fashion entrepeneur till finds the look 'pleasantly' unusual, as she says. In the role of Gu Jun Pyo that propelled his career, Min-ho became synonymous with the idea of ‘chaebol (rich heir). In all truth, even 16 years later, fans can’t quite forget the way he made his grand entrances with fur coats, curly hair, and statement scarves, paired with tailored school uniforms.  His preppy, posh style defined K-drama  second-generation wealth goals for years to come.

The Heirs – Luxury high-schooler

It has been years, but for good reason, Min-ho can’t shake off the bratty, rich kid persona. After Boys over Flowers, The Heirs in 2013 came and cemented that image for good. In this show, Min-ho donned cashmere sweaters, trench coats, which gave him the touch of understated luxury. Lettner shares her own insights, "The mix of polished blazers and cosy knitwear made Kim Tan’s looks both aspirational and relatable—a style dream for anyone navigating cool winter evenings."

The Legend of the Blue Sea (2016) – Coastal chic meets urban cool

As a suave, globe-trotting con artist paired with a mythical mermaid, his wardrobe had to keep up with both his character’s daring antics and the romantic, fantastical setting of the drama. The result? A very quirky mix of casual elegance and sophisticated charm. For his laid-back coastal looks, Min-ho was often seen in breezy shirts, lightweight sweaters, and relaxed trousers. Lettner's colleague, Mila Mair, a fellow fashion enthusiast explains: These pieces, in soft blues, creams, and neutral tones, blended in well with a serene seaside backdrop, giving off a calm, effortless vibe. His knack for layering—whether it was throwing on a longline coat or pairing a lightweight knit with slim-fit pants—added depth and texture without losing that easygoing coastal feel.

However, when the stakes got higher, so did his style. Min-ho switched gears with sharp, tailored suits that were all about sassy confidence. Whether it was a perfectly fitted double-breasted blazer or a sleek monochrome ensemble, he made high-stakes cons look like a high-fashion affair. The oceanic palette remained consistent, tying together the coastal and urban styles while emphasizing his character’s smooth, debonair persona.

The King: Eternal Monarch (2020) – Regal and timeless

Well, wouldn’t you want to look that good while charging down a mob-filled street and demand to save your beloved? Alright that’s dramatic, but you get the idea.  In The King: Eternal Monarch, Min-ho upped the ante, as he dialed up the royalty.  Every outfit was all about regal elegance, with impeccably tailored long coats, gold-embroidered blazers, and sharp military-inspired attire. "The monochrome palette and minimalist accessories added to the air of authority, making his character’s fashion just as commanding as his role," adds Lettner. Fans didn’t just watch for the fantasy romance—they stayed for the sartorial spectacle.

When the Stars Gossip: Futuristic functionality

And now, Min-ho’s fashion game takes an intergalactic turn.  The standout element? Tailored jumpsuits in muted, earthy tones that scream utility but with a fashionable twist. We're talking lines, structured fits, and just the right amount of detailing to give that 'astronaut on a mission' vibe. The jumpsuits may be designed for the rigors of space travel, but Min-ho’s impeccable posture and commanding presence elevate them to something straight off a runway. Whether he’s gearing up for a mission or walking around the space station, he makes functional look anything but dull. And then, there's the hair too.

And let’s not forget the minimalist outerwear. From lightweight jackets with clean cuts to practical vests layered over form-fitting tops, every piece serves a purpose without sacrificing style. The colour palette—think warm grays, deep browns, and dusty blues—feels perfectly in tune with the cosmic theme while keeping things wearable and modern. His look is all about understated calm, proving that even in a futuristic setting, Min-ho knows how to maintain his signature flair.