Lee Chae Min has left fans in awe with his breakout performance in tvN’s Bon Appétit, Your Majesty.
The rising actor was brought in at the very last minute to play King Lee Heon, after the role suddenly became vacant. With less than a month to prepare, many wondered if he could handle the pressure of leading one of the most anticipated dramas of the year.
But from the very first episode, Lee Chae Min erased all doubts. He completely embodied the complex role of the “tyrant king” with a sharp yet vulnerable tone, detailed expressions, and even exaggerated reactions during key food-tasting scenes that perfectly fit the rom-com vibe.
Fans and critics alike have praised how his strong visuals and natural charm softened the character’s intimidating image, while his younger pairing with YoonA added a fresh and engaging chemistry to the drama.
The impact of his performance is being felt worldwide. Bon Appétit, Your Majesty has ranked #1 for two weeks straight on Netflix’s global non-English chart, and Lee Chae Min’s acting has been highlighted as a major reason for its international success.
In the latest episodes, his emotional range shined even brighter as his character faced painful truths and heartbreaking decisions. Viewers were captivated by how he portrayed deep, layered emotions that went far beyond simple anger or sadness.
With this role, Lee Chae Min has proven he is more than just a trending rookie — he has shown he is a prepared and versatile actor with unlimited potential.
Not only did he seize the opportunity, but he also elevated the drama itself, making fans even more excited for what’s next in his career.
Source: [1]
