In a surprising turn of events, Shinhwa's very own Lee Minwoo has openly expressed his disappointment regarding acquaintances who are demanding free tickets to his latest theater venture, "Les Misérables." Taking to social media on November 25, he conveyed his frustration towards those who felt slighted for not receiving personal invitations, stating, “To those acquaintances who said they won’t come to the play because they weren’t invited and feel hurt, listen carefully.”

Theatrical Performance and Support

Lee Minwoo dazzled audiences at the National Theater of Korea’s Haeoreum Grand Theater from November 21 to 24, where he brilliantly portrayed the role of Marius, a young student revolutionary. He noted that many of his colleagues and family members supported him by purchasing tickets rather than expecting handouts. “Celebrities, acquaintances, and even family who came to see Les Misérables contacted me first to congratulate me and purchased tickets on their own," he added, emphasizing the importance of manners and respect.

A Milestone in His Career

This marks a significant milestone in Lee Minwoo's illustrious 26-year career as it is not only his first theatrical role but also a step into the world of full-fledged acting. His agency, Live Branding, announced that he intends to diversify his career further by engaging in various fields such as music, entertainment, and art.

Facing Adversity

While celebrating his theatrical debut, it's impossible to overlook the trials Lee Minwoo faced in the past. He became a target of gaslighting by a former television writer who extorted approximately 2.6 billion KRW (about $2 million USD) along with 218 luxury items under the false pretense of assisting him in avoiding legal issues relating to past allegations. During this tumultuous time, he was subjected to severe psychological distress, which the court acknowledged when they sentenced the writer to nine years in prison. Lee Minwoo poignantly reflected on the incident, sharing, “It’s not strangers but people close to you who deceive you. In my case, it wasn’t just fraud—it was extreme gaslighting.”

Looking Ahead

As he embarks on this new chapter in his life, fans and supporters rally around him, hoping for a bright future filled with success and creativity. Will he be able to overcome this hurdle and turn his attention fully to his artistic endeavors? Only time will tell!