Is the K-drama world witnessing its next big phenomenon?
Could Lee Chae-min be the new face to follow in Byeon Woo-seok’s footsteps?
And how did a rookie actor, once barely recognized, become the talk of every K-drama fan forum in just a few months?
A new name is capturing attention in the Korean entertainment industry: Lee Chae-min. Following his impressive work on “Bon Appetit, Your Majesty”, he’s now widely considered one of 2025’s breakout acting stars. Since the show premiered, viewers have expressed their amazement at Lee Chae-min’s arc from up-and-coming actor to a magnetic king who’s “owning every frame.”
Let’s take a look at how this original talent was able to leap into global recognition and why many speculate he could possibly be the next Byeon Woo-seok.
2. From Rookie to Royalty: The Role That Changed Everything
Every few years, a drama comes along that changes the game — and Bon Appetit, Your Majesty became exactly that.
The tvN fantasy-romance series follows a modern-day top chef, Ji-young (played by Lim Yoon-a), who time-travels to the Joseon dynasty, where she encounters the exacting and perfectionist King Lee Heon (played by Lee Chae-min).
What started as an ambitious period project soon turned into a cultural sensation. The television drama became the biggest hit for tvN in 2025, not only dominating the charts for the highest viewed drama domestically, but even ranking as the #1 most viewed show globally on Netflix, despite not being a Netflix Original.
At the center of this success was Lee Chae-min. His believable, and engaging portrayal of a stern yet emotional animal kingdom king resonated with watchers ol! at home and abroad. For someone whose resume did not have much beyond a few leading roles, this was the main transformation from a rookie to royalty – onscreen and off!
3. A Twist of Fate: How Lee Landed the Role
The most compelling aspect of Lee’s story is how unexpected it all was. Lee Heon was not initially meant to play the role of King Lee Heon, having only been cast ten days before they started filming the movie when the cast suddenly changed.
Instead of panicking, Lee decided to face the challenge head-on. He reportedly said, “I was worried about being a burden as a rookie, but I wanted to give everything I had to honor the opportunity I was given.”
That mindset — grounded, respectful, and passionate — became his biggest strength. Without much time for preparation, he threw himself into understanding the complex emotions of his character. And when the first episode aired, his efforts paid off spectacularly.
From the moment he appeared on screen, audiences could feel that mix of vulnerability and authority — the kind of balance only a few young actors can deliver.
4. Chemistry and Confidence: Working with Lim Yoon-a
Acting across from Lim Yoon-a, one of the biggest stars in Korea, would intimidate even the most seasoned of actors. But Lee managed it with poise and professionalism.
Yoon-a was apparently supportive off-camera as well, saying to Lee at one point, “You’re already doing well — it’s just like your character.” After being given that boost of confidence, Lee was able to relax into the role and act naturally, even with the ten-year age difference.
Their on-screen chemistry became one of the drama’s biggest strengths — warm, tense, and believable. Rather than letting seniority affect his performance, Lee treated Yoon-a as an equal partner in storytelling. That maturity is what truly impressed both the audience and the production team.
5. The “Next Byeon Woo-seok” Tag: Compliment or Challenge?
Comparison is part and parcel of K-drama—it didn’t take long for fans to call Lee “the next Byeon Woo-seok” after Lee’s popularity exploded.
Lee found measurable success playing an emotionally impactful role, just like Byeon. However, the label inspired by Byeon is more than admiration for Lee; it’s a burden too.
Lee respectfully embraced the comparison by saying it’s “an honor and a pressure,” yet instead of taking it as a chance to compare himself to another artist, he positioned it as a source of inspiration. He wants to improve, and he wants to prove to himself that he is not on someone else’s path but on his own.
His humility and self-awareness are unusual in an industry that often enables or is motivated by ego rather than growth.
6. Beyond the Crown: Lee’s Dedication and Growth
Although audiences are unaware of the amount of preparation and labor Lee Chae-min has put in before reaching the stage, they do see a well-prepared final product!
He had to learn translation words in a new media form for teaching, including the skills of calligraphy, horse riding, traditional speech, and, of course, perfecting the tone of his speaking voice to embody a royal character.
However, perhaps more than the astounding array of skills Lee Chae-min has displayed, is the discipline he shows in his work. He specifically said he views acting as “not about performing emotions loudly, but truly understanding emotion.”
Lee Chae-min demonstrated his discipline through not only rehearsing his lines into late night hours or consulting deeply with directors and senior performers, but also during his rehearsals and when preparing for scenes. Moreover, after Bon Appetit, Your Majesty, Lee Chae-min has continued his process by learning more, taking part in training and workshops, and studying acting for film, which pushed him outside of his comfort zone.
In summary, Lee Chae-min does not come off as a player looking for short term success, but instead, he is showing credible growth as an experienced player.
7. The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Lee Chae-min
After Bon Appetit, Your Majesty, offers reportedly poured in — from romance dramas to noir thrillers. Fans are eager to see what kind of roles he’ll choose next.
But Lee remains grounded. In recent interviews, he’s expressed that he wants to explore complex, emotionally rich characters — whether it’s a modern-day chaebol, a conflicted anti-hero, or even a tragic romantic lead.
More than anything, he wants to stay true to himself. “No matter how much changes around me, I want to keep the person I am inside,” he shared thoughtfully.
That mindset — staying humble amid success — might be what keeps him shining long after the hype fades.
Join Our WhatsApp Channel
8. Conclusion – The Making of a Modern Icon
Lee Chae-min’s story is a fairy tale written in real time — a young actor thrown into a world of notoriety, who not only survived the pressure but thrived under pressure.
From stepping into the role last-minute to becoming the To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before franchise’s newest international darling, Lee Chae-min’s story fits into the model of a new generation of Korean actors who embody a model of impassioned aspirations, patience, and perseverance.
If Byeon Woo-seok was the miracle that defined 2024, then Lee Chae-min’s story might be the legend that defines 2025.
His élan is still being written — but one thing is certain, it’s just the start of Lee Chae-min’s majestic reign in K-drama land.
