Rising Star Lee Chae-min to Lead in a New Drama

Lee Chae-min is set to take on his next major project. The fast-rising actor has been confirmed as the lead in the Korean drama adaptation of The Miracles of the Namiya General Store, marking another significant step in his growing career.

According to industry sources on February 6, the beloved Japanese novel will be reimagined as a Korean series, with Lee Chae-min front and center as its main protagonist.

A Beloved Bestseller Reborn as a Korean Drama

Originally written by bestselling author Keigo Higashino, The Miracles of the Namiya General Store is one of the most widely loved contemporary Japanese novels across Asia.

The story revolves around three young burglars who hide inside an old shop called Namiya General Store, only to discover that letters seeking life advice mysteriously arrive from the past. As they reply to these letters, they become entangled in unexpected connections that link different timelines and reveal hidden truths about their own lives.

The novel has enjoyed long-standing popularity in Korea, where it became a bestseller shortly after its release. It has previously been adapted into films in Japan and China, and was also staged as a theatrical production in Korea in 2018.

A Global OTT Release Under Discussion

The Korean adaptation is expected to run for approximately ten episodes and is currently in active casting stages. Discussions are reportedly underway regarding a global OTT release, raising expectations that the series could reach international audiences soon after its debut.

With its blend of fantasy, healing, and emotional storytelling, the drama is seen as a strong candidate for overseas platforms looking for character-driven Korean content.

Lee Chae-min’s Rapid Rise Continues

Lee Chae-min has steadily built his profile through a series of high-visibility projects. He drew attention through dramas such as Crash Course in Romance, See You in My 19th Life, and Hierarchy, establishing himself as one of the most promising young actors of his generation.

His breakout moment came last year when he landed the lead role in tvN’s The Tyrant’s Chef, which firmly positioned him as a rising star in the industry.

More recently, he surprised viewers with a darker transformation in Netflix’s Cashero, where he portrayed the antagonist Jonathan, showcasing a completely different side of his acting range.

Expectations High for His Next Transformation

With The Miracles of the Namiya General Store, Lee Chae-min is expected to explore a more introspective and emotionally layered character. Fans and industry watchers alike are curious to see how he will reinterpret the story’s themes of regret, redemption, and human connection within a Korean context.

As the project moves closer to full production, anticipation continues to build. For Lee Chae-min, this upcoming drama may well become another defining chapter in a career that is gaining momentum at remarkable speed.