Rising Stars Lee Chae-min and Kim Jae-won: From 'Hierarchy' to New Heights

'You Know What?' Reporter Lee So-jung from TenAsia captures intriguing issues in the broadcasting world to stimulate the public's dopamine.

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In the 2024 Netflix series 'Hierarchy,' actors Lee Chae-min and Kim Jae-won, who were involved in a love triangle with No Jeong-eui, have been making significant strides over the past two years. While they were not particularly prominent at the time, their subsequent projects and TV appearances have expanded their presence. Recently, news about their upcoming projects has been drawing attention both inside and outside the industry.

'Hierarchy' is a teen drama featuring a cast of young actors in their 20s. The story unfolds in a prestigious school ruled by the top 0.01%, where a new student with secrets causes disruption. Lee Chae-min and Kim Jae-won played characters with contrasting charms, forming a love triangle centered around No Jeong-eui. At the time of release, No Jeong-eui was the most recognized, while Lee and Kim were relatively new faces.

Born in 2000, Lee Chae-min gained attention last year by joining the tvN drama 'The Tyrant's Chef.' He replaced actor Park Sung-hoon, who left due to personal controversies. Despite the sudden casting, Lee received praise for his stable acting and character portrayal, leading to high expectations for his future endeavors. His ability to immerse himself in roles and command the screen has positively influenced his career.

A graduate of the Korea National University of Arts, Lee debuted in 2021 through Gold Medalist and later moved to Baro Entertainment, home to actor Byun Woo-seok. His career moves have sparked interest in how he will expand his filmography.

Lee's personal life has also been a topic of interest. He is openly dating fellow actor Ryu Da-in, which is considered unusual for a newcomer. He has reportedly received offers for several projects, including 'The Miracles of the Namiya General Store' and 'The Reason I Decided to Die.'

Born in 2001, Kim Jae-won is also actively building his career. A theater major at Chung-Ang University, he raised his profile by playing a supporting male lead in JTBC's 2024 drama 'The Tale of Mrs. Ok.' His upcoming role in TVING's 'Yumi's Cells' Season 3, alongside Kim Go-eun, has garnered attention, especially due to their 10-year age difference, which audiences find refreshing.

Kim has also expanded his presence in variety shows. He was a regular on KBS2's 'Going, Coming, Lee Min-jung' last year and appeared as a guest on '2 Days & 1 Night.' This year, he was selected as the new MC for 'Music Bank' and has appeared on KBS variety shows like 'Pyeon Restaurant,' increasing his familiarity with the public.

Kim's acting career continues to flourish. He is set to appear in Netflix's 'Lady Dua' and has received offers for projects like 'My Opposed Romance,' 'Six Lying College Students,' and the film 'My First Graduation.'

Though they started from the same project, Lee and Kim have taken different paths. Lee focuses on building a solid acting foundation through his filmography, while Kim balances drama and variety shows to broaden his audience reach. Both continue to be associated with upcoming projects, maintaining their momentum.

Two years after 'Hierarchy,' Lee Chae-min and Kim Jae-won are carving out their own niches, moving beyond their initial recognition as newcomers to establish themselves in their respective fields.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr