Lee Minho featured in a 90 minute New Year's special in China

Source: Newsen
Credit : koreaboo.com

Actor Lee Minho was recently featured for a full 90 minutes on a Chinese satellite program. While the structure of the programme usually sees three guests in a 60 minute timeslot, the episode was lengthened by half an hour for Lee Minho.

The above mentioned program started its run in 1997 as a variety show, and is hosted by an MC of the same popularity as South Korea's Yoo Jaesuk. With a viewership rate of 9% it draws hundreds of millions of viewers with every broadcast.

This particular episode was the last one to be filmed this year. Information regarding it was disseminated under the title "Recording: Goo Junpyo, Jeon Jinho, Lee Yoonsung" -- Lee Minho's various character names -- attracting a huge amount of interest from the Chinese public.

On the day of the shoot, Lee Minho presented the MC with a New Year card in the shape of a hanbok that he had personally searched for in Korea and inscribed with a message. He also gave out traditional good luck charms to the audience members, thereby spreading awareness about Korean culture.

According to a local newspaper, fans from all over China had traveled down to the studio in hopes of seeing the actor. A lucky 1,500 fans were allowed onto the set, where they sat on the floor to watch the recording; outside the studio, thousands more milled around waiting and showing their support. Tickets were even circulating the black market for up to a million won (approximately $860 USD); station staff members stated, however, that up to five hundred guests were typically allowed into the studio for absolutely no fee at all.

The director of the program said through his Weibo, in a post that barely concealed his excitement, "Thanks to everyone today -- staff, producers, audience members and today's guest. Through Lee Minho, I've succeeded today. I saw the legendary handsome man for the first time today. Who else besides Lee Minho is capable of inciting such huge cheers from the broadcasting station staff members? He showed off his character, his upbringing and sophistication today."

Meanwhile, Lee Minho will move on to Shanghai on December 14th, where he will complete a photoshoot for a casual clothing brand.