Lee Min-ki: “I want be in a relationship with a woman in her mid-30’s…”
by sassychef
He sure is pretty…or is he too hot to call pretty? Lee Min-ki even admits, “As far as looks go, I don’t have a complex over it.” I guess that self-confidence does add a certain je ne sais quoi to his image. Adding to his looks is his adorable southern dialect that manages to be urbane and innocent at the same time. It’s charming. And delish.
The actor who once delighted us as Kang Tae-bong in his last drama, Dal Ja’s Spring, sat down for a quick interview to give his fans a quick low-down on his latest activities. With his 2009 blockbuster movie Haeundae, Lee showed the audience he has the star power to act on the big screen and solidified his bona fide movie star status with his latest action packed movie, Quick, which had a staggering budget of 10 billion won for its production. Lee’s charismatic yet quirky persona seemed to be tailor-made for the role he plays in this action comedy movie.
I rode a motorcycle to my heart’s content. As a matter of fact, I’m starting to get the itch to ride again these days.
And we thank you for those bike-riding skills…because from the trailer I’ve seen, he’s downright sexy as hell. In the movie, Lee’s character is a quick serviceman that makes his living delivering things on his bike. “I even went up to 170-180km on that bike. Knowing that the danger of an accident on a bike is high made me really nervous, but thankfully, there weren’t any accidents. I’m also so grateful to the stuntman who helped out with all the dangerous scenes.”
Lee, who hung up his riding helmet in his early 20’s, found his daredevil instincts surfacing again while shooting the movie. “I find myself thinking about it again these days. I wanted to ride a bike so badly that I even went to look for one at a motorcycle shop with my friends recently. I would love to go on a road trip with my friends on a bike”.
Lee’s character in the movie is entrusted to deliver a bomb, which of course means there are lots of scenes in the movie where things get blown up…and blown up some more. “For one of the scenes, we had to start getting the bomb sequence ready the night before…and around 3 a.m., we shot the scene. I hid behind a tree that had fallen about 200m away to watch the filming of the scene… I have never seen such a huge explosion before and it was thrilling. There really was a mushroom cloud!”
Lee reminisced about the scene in awe and adds that he was pretty tense while watching the shooting of the scene.
Quick 2? Of course, I’ll do it!
Quick is a reunion for the entire crew from Lee’s previous movie, Haeundae. His love interest from Haeundae, Kang Ye-won, shares the screen with Lee once again in this movie. The comedic relief is once again provided by Kim In-kwon, also a Haeundae co-star. So while this movie is a reunion for the three stars, instead of a tsunami wreaking havoc, it’s massive explosions. I can dig that.
It’s pretty unusual for a team of staff and actors to reunite for another movie. But the synergy among everyone involved was so great that we all have met occasionally which I think led us to do Quick together…but I guess we can’t be fortuitous enough to do a third movie together? Unless Quick 2 does happen.
Lee was also swift to nod his head “yes” when asked if he would reprise his role if a sequel were to be made, but did seem to ponder how challenging it was to shoot the movie.
The world is full of beauty, but I find myself feeling so lonely at times.
Lee seems draw older women like a moth to a flame when it comes to his co-stars. Kang Ye-won (Haeundae), Kim Hae-soo (A Day For an Affair), Chae-rim (Dal Ja’s Spring), Eugene (I Really Really Like You).
However, surrounded by all those beautiful women, Lee confessed, “I do get very lonely. I would love to be in a relationship. The other day, I felt so alone at home, I found myself wishing I was in a relationship with a woman in her mid-30’s. Age doesn’t really matter to me.” I guess all the years of working with those older co-stars have rubbed off on him. Smart boy.
Lee goes on to say that even though he is surrounded by great friends, they’re all dudes and haven’t ever experienced a real relationship, so he spends most of his time going to the movies, watching dramas or listening to music. (I’d bet there’ll be a plethora of women pounding the streets of Seoul looking to fill that girlfriend slot. I’m thinking my chances of winning this bet are pretty good).
I want to be an actor that can move around
Lee mentions he once received a text from a number he didn’t recognize: “I just saw the trailer for Quick while watching TV. It looks awesome!” Lee goes on to say, “Come to find out, the text was from the ajumma at the quick delivery office. So I replied back to her saying she should make sure to see the movie. I was so touched and felt energized.”
Lee admitted to feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility he felt for the success of the movie once filming wrapped and press releases began. Since his debut in 2004, Lee has been steadily building his portfolio for the past 7 years by taking on various different roles. Lee says, “Rather than playing similar characters all the time, I want to tackle different roles with each new project. I’m still learning about myself, and I want to learn more through the characters I play in different projects.”
Lee seems to be taking all the right steps to do just that, as evidenced by the roles he has played in his recent films, like Haeundae and Quick. I’m totally on board with his method of self-discovery as long as he keeps being awesome.
Via NTN Seoul
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1 Yer Vang
August 10, 2011 at 1:40 PM
Cougar. Rawr.
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2 cingdoc
August 10, 2011 at 1:49 PM
Attention ladies,'please step back & no one will get hurt...'cause @langdon813 has already call 'dibs"....*where is that girl??*
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3 langdon813
August 10, 2011 at 1:49 PM
I've never lied about my age before but I'm absolutely willing to start.
Damn....
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langdon813
August 10, 2011 at 1:50 PM
Ahem.
MINE MINE MINE MINE MINE MINE MINE MINE MINE MINE
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samsooki
August 10, 2011 at 2:03 PM
I believe langdon813 is 33 y/o. Almost mid-thirties. I think LMK will not mind the slight young-ness.
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langdon813
August 10, 2011 at 2:04 PM
:-)
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hjkomo
August 10, 2011 at 2:41 PM
And even though samsooki is a LLWL, I will concur on this one. ;)
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celestialorigin
August 10, 2011 at 5:55 PM
How old is he? I can't remember. Anyways, He's soooooooooo smoldering hot here. Can I have 1/2 of him, phuleeeez?
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cingdoc
August 10, 2011 at 1:56 PM
@langdon813
what lies...with my recent b'day,I'm only 26..(@samsooki told me so)....
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samsooki
August 10, 2011 at 2:04 PM
well, in Korean years you are 27. since you are 1 y/o the day you are born.
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belleza
August 10, 2011 at 2:14 PM
In Korean surgeon years, I'm 17 years old. Lee Min Ki OPPA!! ;)
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samsooki
August 10, 2011 at 2:36 PM
bwahahaha
cingdoc
August 10, 2011 at 3:14 PM
Nahah...You've told me"I think when we reach 26,we should stop aging. i.e,How old are you? "26." "me,too" "wow,what a coincidence, I am also 26."........it's all legal binding...I'm,well we are, 26..FOREVER!
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trixicopper
August 10, 2011 at 4:27 PM
The whole age thing just cracks me up! I had fudged my age for so many years that when one of my kids asked me recently how old I really was ... I wasn't even sure myself! I had to stop and figure it out. :)
4 Kristal
August 10, 2011 at 1:50 PM
Does 28 count?! I am all over me some Min Ki.
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5 peony
August 10, 2011 at 1:52 PM
Yes I have a chance!
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6 crazyluver
August 10, 2011 at 1:53 PM
he is one of those actors who doesn't flounder over his success. i don't know, but i'm drawn to him every time i see him, that's why i've been watching Mixed-up Investigative Agency for like 3 times now. something about him really does draw attention, i don't know what it is, he is not typical korean actor with pretty face, he's sexy that melts every woman's heart.
looking forward to his new project.
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Megumi
November 24, 2013 at 1:33 PM
I think if you haven't watched it go to YouTube and type lee min ki in variety shows, the guy is so cute and funny and he is a boss when it comes to battle of the words...there is couple of videos of him battling yoon eun hye and totally making her swoon...
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7 ohemgee
August 10, 2011 at 1:53 PM
LOVE HIM.
he seriously needs to come back to dramaland...and maybe do a daily serial so that i can watch him every night.
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8 Laeah
August 10, 2011 at 1:56 PM
To me, he just looks like a frog. I don't get it.
:x
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cingdoc
August 10, 2011 at 2:05 PM
hmmm...& how long have you had this vision problem? Is it in 1 or both of your eyes? When did this problem begin? Sometimes,people with visual metamorphsia might have other systemic problem...might want to see your medical doctor to rule out any other problem...
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emy
August 10, 2011 at 2:09 PM
My taste doesn't run to him (or, I don't find him particularly hot), but haha, this answer's hilarious!
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oi
August 10, 2011 at 11:12 PM
LOL
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mihinikki
August 10, 2011 at 5:55 PM
@Laeah, Lee Min Ki isn't my idea of pretty, handsome, or even cute either, but he is sooooooo awesome that you'll fall in love. I seriously dug him in I Really, Really Like You. He became cute for me.
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Laeah
August 10, 2011 at 9:14 PM
Oh, I don't mind his acting, but I just don't feel one ounce attracted to the guy. He's just not my type I guess.
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dunnowhat
August 12, 2011 at 3:19 AM
Yeah I'm the same. I never find him attractive. Maybe it's his teeth. But I did enjoy Dalja and RRLY.
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Megumi
November 24, 2013 at 1:38 PM
Yeah everybody has their own tastes but I'm afraid you really fall in the minority here, he's not my ideal type but I can't deny he's attractive and he seems really popular with ladies in real life too, if Suzy says her ideal type is lee min ki sunbeanim then who am I to say he is not hot...
9 nokcha
August 10, 2011 at 1:58 PM
Sweet! Just checked CGV website and Quick is coming to L.A. 8/19! and it's with subs!! I was just in Seoul and didn't go while I was there!
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10 langdon813
August 10, 2011 at 2:07 PM
By the way, sassychef... you rock! Thanks for making my day.
:-)
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hjkomo
August 10, 2011 at 2:38 PM
But also watch out, sassychef - if you get too close to langdon813's LMK, she will cut you. ㅋㅋㅋ ;)
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langdon813
August 10, 2011 at 3:06 PM
So true.
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11 C707
August 10, 2011 at 2:08 PM
It must have killed him to be around woman as beautiful as Eugene and as smouldering as Kim Hye Soo and then have to hop on that bike and go home. Wise choice on the over thirty thing Min Ki, other than Yoon Eun Hye, most of these younger actresses seem to kiss like it was their first time.
I've enjoy this actor in every one of his roles. He can play years older than he is and always stands apart from the average talent. Just be careful on that motorbike, son. I think it might be safer if all of these stars would just ride the metro.
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12 obivia
August 10, 2011 at 2:13 PM
You left out Choi Jung Yoon (Taereung National Village). Personally one of my favorite cougar shows--thanks to JB's recommendation!
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13 Cynthia
August 10, 2011 at 2:17 PM
Love the old-fashioned, cartoon bomb he's holding! It's like something out of a Rocky/Bullwinkle/Boris/Natasha show.
How old is he? He looks like late 20's - early 30's?
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14 Z
August 10, 2011 at 2:18 PM
Yes! Finally some good comes of turning 30 this year. Korean age: 31! Wait for me Min-ki... I'm almost there!
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15 VV
August 10, 2011 at 2:23 PM
He's hot. I've loved him since Dal Ja's Spring <3<3<3
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16 malta
August 10, 2011 at 2:29 PM
He's a keeper. Always seems like a good guy and I loved him in Dal ja's Spring.
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17 Tha
August 10, 2011 at 2:30 PM
I JUST LOVE LOVE LOVE HIM!!!! Im 34 Korean Age! So Am The Closest One so far?!?!?!?!?!?
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18 Mia
August 10, 2011 at 2:40 PM
Awww I love boys who are smart enough to love women older then them! It makes all my love for noona/dongsaeng relationships even stronger to know that people like Lee Min-ki sees the appeal too! (Thank you Sassychef!)
Ah, And I'm 20. So that is not to say that I crave 15 year old boys (No.), but rather, enjoy the appeal of thirty year old women and 20 year old men not being treated like a stigma of society.
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19 Cam
August 10, 2011 at 2:50 PM
This actor is really interesting guy, hmm. (nod) =)
EH?! Some of you'all thought that Lee Min Ki's age is around 30s, rite?! O_o LOL! He's not 30 yet and I just found the Wikipedia in the internet and the profile says that he's still 26 yrs old now *(Ahh, right, he's 27 yrs old in Korea)* Omo, he's just young!!! ^_^
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Alvina
August 11, 2011 at 12:39 AM
haha, perhaps he's referring to a real life Dal Ja possibility? lol Flashbacks!
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20 aardvarksmile
August 10, 2011 at 2:50 PM
To all interested people - you can have him. I appreciate LMK as an actor, especially that free, off-the-wall vibe of his; he also seems an interesting, intelligent person, but there is one thing that has been putting me off since I first saw him - his teeth. Please, don't send me to any medical examination, I know full well it's a deviation of mine.
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langdon813
August 10, 2011 at 4:52 PM
I love love love his teeth. If he ever gets them "fixed" I will cry real tears out of my eyes.
:-(
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celestialorigin
August 10, 2011 at 6:55 PM
Why? What bout his teeth? I guess I've never payed any attention. Better google now...:)
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21 Smurf
August 10, 2011 at 2:59 PM
What so nice about him?
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f1yh1gh10
August 10, 2011 at 7:28 PM
so he's not the hottest guy around, but he has these charms that sweep you up when you watch him act. gah he was amazing in the movie haeundae, and he's just overall a funny, charming, cute guy.
he may not be gushing with sexiness, but he's definitely worth watching on screen.
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22 ixx
August 10, 2011 at 3:17 PM
i dunno, but he is not like Waaa~~~ hot!!! but he have something.. and i dunno is cute and cute kkkkk
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23 Kim
August 10, 2011 at 3:31 PM
He's a great actor, but something about him that I don't dig. Maybe it's because he's way too skinny for my liking, so to all you cougars out there, you can have him lol.
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24 sPark*
August 10, 2011 at 3:54 PM
I watched Quick in the theaters, and there's lots of explosions lolol The movie overall was very quirky and wacky. It was pretty enjoyable; most of the audience were laughing throughout. I can't say it was super memorable or original in terms of plot, but I enjoyed the adrenaline rush.
Lee Min-Ki isn't very handsome in my eyes, but there's something about him that makes him so like-able. I would like him as an oppa :)
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25 weirdnshort
August 10, 2011 at 4:03 PM
I wish he'd be in another drama....Dal Ja's Spring was very good. made me say weird things like "aww I wish I had a spare tire too!" XD
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26 Paula
August 10, 2011 at 4:14 PM
Pick me pick me!!! I am 32, that's mid 30s, isn't it? I totally feel in love with him during Dal Ja's Spring :D
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27 Banu
August 10, 2011 at 4:24 PM
He is pretty honest I like that, he knows what he wants I hope he find his true love very soon. =) Don't get Lonely Minki
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28 bd
August 10, 2011 at 4:27 PM
Does this mean he's gotten over his crush on YEH? lol
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aiqcn
August 10, 2011 at 4:38 PM
That's what exactly I was thinking while reading the title. Well...if that's the case, good for him. YEH doesn't seem to have interest in him since Xman days. LOL
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tonto
August 10, 2011 at 5:45 PM
When you can have the pick of the litter, you don't settle for the runt of the litter. ;)
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29 jyyjc
August 10, 2011 at 5:12 PM
I like him but i don't find him that good looking.
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30 mom2mp
August 10, 2011 at 5:34 PM
I have been a lurker for many months now. But Lee Min Ki has bought me out of couch potato-ness to ask a question: where do I sign up for setting up a matseon with him?
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31 laya
August 10, 2011 at 5:47 PM
Is that the Kang Tae-bong in him speaking? >:)
MINE!!!!
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32 happa
August 10, 2011 at 5:52 PM
The dude is probably just lying to please his ahjumma fans. What he really digs is probably someone around the age of 17...like ME!
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doublen
August 10, 2011 at 8:01 PM
17 is too young for him, in the end he is turning 26. 22 like me is the best for him :)
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33 DramaQueen
August 10, 2011 at 6:17 PM
Honestly, I never really thought of him as good looking, but he certainly has a kind of charisma that keeps me interested. Good luck to him in all he does - wish he will return to dramas though. Kinda liked him in Love Truly (I really, really like you).
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34 Venus
August 10, 2011 at 6:57 PM
LOVE HIMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!! so Min Ki about to turn 30 and available give me a buzzzzz ok....just for you I'm available 24/7..... :P :D
Serious now...he his becoming a true super star on his own right and I totally admired him for that, TV was too small for his talent..but I want him to do another drama..I missed him...
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35 creidesca
August 10, 2011 at 7:16 PM
Looks like Min Ki might have a project coming up soon! If I'm understanding his message right.
I just saw that he tweeted the following on Aug 5th 2011 (in english): "My secret project is CLEAR !!!!! And now I hove more time for my skin......"
If you don't already know by now, his twitter username is "MindKey1601" (from what I have read of his tweets, do not 'follow'/tweet him if all you want to say to him is that you're his fan/admire him. I'm guessing he wants to have real/natural tweets.
And don't call him a superstar, either! He specifically states in his twitter profile that he sees himself currently as a small actor who will become a big actor someday.
He tweets in English (he's trying to learn) and in Korean.
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langdon813
August 10, 2011 at 7:57 PM
Unfortunately, that's not really our Lee Min-ki; his real Twitter is here:
http://twitter.com/leeminkiii
But he hasn't tweeted anything in nearly a year. :-(
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creidesca
August 10, 2011 at 8:33 PM
Are you sure that "MindKey1601" isn't his latest twitter acct? I know many people who have several facebook/myspace/twitter accts. His first tweet on the "MindKey1601" acct was back at the end of July 2010, which nearly coincides w/ his last tweet on the twitter acct you mentioned in early Aug.
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36 bananaddict
August 10, 2011 at 7:43 PM
this interview sounds like he is in relationship with some mid 30's woman
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zgznoona
August 10, 2011 at 9:37 PM
to me it sound like he is kind of depressed... I hope I'm wrong
and if he is in a relationship I wish him good luck
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omo
August 10, 2011 at 10:01 PM
Yeah, me! Got to run.
*runs off to hide from #3*
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37 doublen
August 10, 2011 at 7:59 PM
BE MY BOYFRIEND! Noooo.... MARRY ME!!! I will support you on all actvities: you wanna bike, i''l do it with you! Jump with parachute? sure, why not! I will learn korean and cooking korean food for you!!! I am ready to listen to your beautiful songs all day long!
Really Really Like you, Lee min ki!
Doublen's spring - Lee min ki!
Evasive Investigation Agency of Doublen and Lee min ki!
Go to Romantic Island with Lee min ki!
BE STRONG LEE MIN KI! :D
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38 mizweng
August 10, 2011 at 8:05 PM
ohhhh I was hoping he'd say middle AGE cos am almost there... well, a halmoni can still dream, right? bwahahaha
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39 oppaslayer
August 10, 2011 at 8:36 PM
Lee Min-ki--please refer to my my user name...
I'm not mid-30s but I am still 2 years older than you. I think that should count.
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40 Isabelle
August 10, 2011 at 8:52 PM
Mid 30s comes with ticking clocks , mood swings , family thoughts, money , settling in life, professional competition etc etc , brother why do u want to go there?
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belleza
August 11, 2011 at 2:31 PM
"brother why do u want to go there?"
Maybe he wants to date a woman without drama.
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41 izocha
August 10, 2011 at 8:54 PM
Oh god, the best news ever...errr. today anyway. Thanks for the laugh! (at myself, perhaps)
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42 Lorraine
August 10, 2011 at 9:32 PM
Lee Min-ki is HANDSOME????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
LMAO!
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43 momosa
August 10, 2011 at 10:09 PM
Is he pretty?
My family & cousins all look similar/closely similar (gaunt with cheekbones, some high, some not so high)....I don't remotely associate anyone of us as good looking (ok, there might be some good looking ones).
Truly, I didn't realise he is good looking but he can definitely act. Oops..do I need to duck...
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44 Anvesha
August 10, 2011 at 11:40 PM
the last pic is a win!!!
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45 Minnetter
August 11, 2011 at 12:28 AM
Lee Minki is an interesting one, I'm never quite sure if he's really handsome, or if it's his acting skills, or his adorableness when he used to do variety shows or just my residual love from back when he was doing Nonstop 6 a.k.a Rainbow Romance.
Which is why I'm rediscovering that show ^^ I remember watching it and really liking Heechul and his "mother-son" relationship... lol of course that show was so long I don't think I even saw a quarter of it... or even understood it much at that point...now there are a few eps with subs so I can finally understand what it was I was watching! hahaha... also can my SJ bias be more happy than when my 2 favourite members are sharing the screen? and then there's Minki who makes himself be loved by sneaking into your life... hahaha
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46 Alvina
August 11, 2011 at 12:38 AM
wow, I missed his kooky-ness so much that I just went back to re-read all of the Dal Ja's Spring recaps.
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47 snoopyvkd
August 11, 2011 at 1:25 AM
Great translation, sassychef! Thank you! I'm loving these news posts!
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48 Michel
August 11, 2011 at 5:50 AM
thanks sassychef,
Oh no ! another depressed actor.
Should stay with your parent while looking out for the
elder woman, somtimes she might not be fulfil your
needs.
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49 p3rk3le
August 11, 2011 at 7:57 AM
I'm not the only one who thought of Chae Rim first when I read that title, right?? :pp
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50 xiandi
August 11, 2011 at 7:29 PM
wow...imagine..a guy like him looking for a mid-30's girl??? i liked him a lot in Dalja's spring..he's too charming and he has his own style of cuteness...
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