From Last-Minute Replacement to Global No.1: How Lee Chae Min Turned Pressure Into a Breakout Moment

When Lee Chae Min stepped into tvN’s fantasy romance drama Bon Appétit, Your Majesty just ten days before filming began, expectations were cautious at best. Replacing the originally cast lead at the last minute, the 25-year-old actor faced enormous pressure. What followed, however, was nothing short of a breakout moment.

The drama went on to top Netflix’s global charts and closed with an impressive 17.1% viewership rating in Korea. For Lee Chae Min, it marked his first leading role and a defining turning point.

“I felt more pressure than excitement,” he admitted in a recent interview. “I kept asking myself, ‘Why is this opportunity suddenly mine?’ So I decided to approach it with a do-or-die mindset.”

From Last-Minute Replacement to Global No. 1

In Bon Appétit, Your Majesty, Lee plays King Lee Heon—a feared tyrant with an elite palate—who meets modern-day star chef Yeon Ji Young (played by Im Yoona) after she time-slips back to the Joseon era. The series blends romance, fantasy, and culinary spectacle, requiring Lee to balance intensity, vulnerability, and comedic flair.

Taking over the role so late meant accelerated preparation. Lee dove headfirst into rehearsals, script study, and physical training.

“I didn’t want to cause any harm to the production,” he said. “I studied the script every day, analyzed my expressions in the mirror, and kept asking myself how to make him look ruthless but also lovable.”

“I’ve Been Preparing for Years”

Viewers noticed a marked growth in Lee’s acting depth and vocal control. But to him, the progress wasn’t sudden.

“I’ve been attending voice training for four years,” he revealed. “This time, people finally noticed. That made me proud.”

He also underwent horseback riding and calligraphy lessons to fully embody a Joseon-era monarch. By the end of filming, he was confident enough to ride without a stunt double—though most action scenes had already wrapped.

The Challenge of Playing a Tyrant Who Loves Food

One of the most talked-about aspects of his performance was the exaggerated yet immersive way he reacted to food—sometimes involving surreal CGI and theatrical expressions.

“There were moments I felt embarrassed,” he laughed. “But when I saw the final edit, I thought, ‘I’m glad I pushed through that.’ Those scenes were important.”

To prepare, Lee studied animation, mukbang videos, and food reaction clips to perfect the emotional layers behind each bite. His goal? To make even over-the-top fantasy reactions feel grounded.

“Beef bourguignon was my favorite,” he added with a smile.

A Convincing Romance with Im Yoona

The drama’s romantic arc also drew attention, particularly because Im Yoona is ten years his senior. Yet audiences praised their natural chemistry.

“She helped me a lot,” Lee shared. “I felt no awkwardness acting opposite her. She made the set comfortable, and that made everything easier.”

The series finale—where the two characters reunite in modern times—sparked debate among viewers. Some questioned how Lee Heon arrived in the present. Lee offered his own interpretation:

“I think it was the power of love,” he said thoughtfully. “Maybe Ji Young helped him somehow.”

Staying Grounded After a Breakout Success

Debuting in 2021’s High Class, Lee Chae Min is only five years into his career. Yet with Bon Appétit, Your Majesty under his belt, the momentum is undeniable.

“This project opened my perspective,” he reflected. “I realized how my acting can be perceived by others. It motivates me to go deeper.”

Despite the surge in popularity, his personal goal remains simple:

“I don’t want to lose myself. Before becoming a great actor, I want to be a good person. My parents always tell me to stay humble. I want to keep that promise.”

From last-minute substitute to global breakout lead, Lee Chae Min proved that preparation meets opportunity in unexpected ways. And if this performance is any indication, his reign is only just beginning.