Supporters Stand By Actor Lee Dong Hwi Following Break With Controversial Close Friend
Lee Dong Hwi is facing controversy over WINNER’s Mino showing up at his movie premiere.
The drama started when Mino was spotted at the VIP screening for Method Acting. Mino is currently on trial for negligent military service. Fans immediately assumed Lee Dong Hwi invited him because they are close friends. Both caught heat online, with netizens calling them “birds of a feather.”
Then Lee Dong Hwi spoke out during a press interview to clear things up.
I did not invite him. I only found out he was there at the venue that day. It was completely unexpected.
— Lee Dong Hwi
Lee Dong Hwi’s statement instantly cut ties with Mino and shut down rumors.
Fans reacted fast, backing Lee Dong Hwi for clearing his name amid growing hate.
Comments online included:
- “Someone must’ve invited Mino. Why hate Lee Dong Hwi when no one knows who did?”
- “Damn, Mino got cut off LOL.”
- “Lee Dong Hwi must’ve been so thrown off having his name dragged into this.”
- “Lee Dong Hwi is straight-up cutting ties…”
- “I’m glad Lee Dong Hwi cleared his name. He was getting so much hate.”
Meanwhile, Mino faces serious charges. He was accused of violating the Military Service Act by skipping work as a public service worker since March 2023. The Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office indicted him without detention on December 30, 2025. Mino reportedly admitted during police questioning that he left his assigned workplace during working hours.
The fallout continues as Lee Dong Hwi distances himself from Mino while fans await next moves.