Lee Min-Ho turned 38 recently. The South Korean heartthrob, who has been part of the entertainment industry for the past two decades, has given fans classic K-dramas like Boys Over Flowers, City Hunter, The Heirs, The Legend of the Blue Sea and The King: Eternal Monarch . He will next be seen in the film Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint . Having acquired a loyal and massive fanbase, Lee continues to rule hearts.

And just like every year, he wrote a lovely note of thanks for Minoz on his official Instagram handle to express gratitude for celebrating his birthday. But, it didn't turn out the way he might have expected.

Lee posted several clicks from his special day, revealing how he was flooded with flowers, balloons, branded gifts and birthday cakes from his fans. "Grateful once again today for the immense love that keeps me going. I hope you feel just as much happiness as I do," he wrote in the caption.

Netizens reacted to Lee Min-Ho's birthday post

While many fans sent him immense love, many netizens slammed him for accepting gifts at this stage of his career, year after year. One user wrote, "At his career stage, it would be perfectly normal to politely decline gifts and simply appreciate the thought and support instead." A user pointed out at how "more socially conscious" celebs have stopped accepting birthday gifts long time ago.

"It honestly doesn't look great. These days with all the talk about the environment, fan gifts are declining. If there's an article like this and he still accepts and posts gifts again next year, then clearly that's just his mindset as an actor," said a netizen. A second one added, "Honestly, he makes too much money to be accepting gifts. I agree with the comment that it feels like poor people giving offerings to the rich. It even looks like he's expecting bigger ones next year-just comes off as immature." A third one stated, "At his age and level of career, why is he still accepting fan-sponsored gifts?"

Lee Min-Ho compared with other celebs

A user compared Lee with others like Park Bo-Gum and G-Dragon. They wrote, "At the end of the day, it's all personal choice. People just view Park Bo Gum and G-Dragon more positively for having turned down gifts. But others probably feel loved through receiving gifts-so what."

Lee Min-Ho's fans however came to his rescue to defend the star. They said it was their love for him that they wished to convey through these gifts and special gesture.