Rising Star Lee Chae-min Captivates Audiences in tvN's 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty'

Born in 2000, actor Lee Chae-min has taken the small screen by storm with his role in tvN's 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty'. Originally, the male lead was to be played by Park Sung-hoon, but he stepped down due to a social media controversy. The role was then filled by the newcomer Lee Chae-min, who is ten years younger than co-star Yoona.

In 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty', Lee Chae-min plays the role of Lee Heon, a tyrant with an impeccable palate. His performance, ranging from overwhelming charisma to emotional depth and romantic excitement, has left a lasting impression on viewers, etching his name into the hearts of the audience.

In episodes 3 and 4, Lee Heon, played by Lee Chae-min, invites Yeon Ji-young (played by Im Yoona) to the palace after meeting her during a solar eclipse hunt. Despite fierce opposition from the ministers and the schemes of concubine Kang Mok-joo (played by Kang Han-na), Lee Heon opens his heart to Yeon Ji-young and her culinary skills, marking a new chapter in the story. Lee Heon is reminded of his late mother, Queen Yeon, when he sees Yeon Ji-young, and despite jealousy and opposition within the palace, he appoints her as the head chef, causing a stir.

As Kang Mok-joo's schemes and the trials set by Queen Dowager Inju (played by Seo Yi-sook) unfold, Lee Heon reveals his resolve as a king by declaring that only one winning chef will be spared, while the others will face severe punishment. His cold demeanor towards the Queen Dowager, linked to his mother's death, heightens the tension in the drama.

Upon discovering that all the events surrounding him and Yeon Ji-young were orchestrated by Kang Mok-joo, Lee Heon is engulfed in anger, reaching a new turning point in the conflict. Meanwhile, as his loyal aide Lee Jang-kyun faces danger while investigating the clues to his mother's death, Lee Heon falls into deeper internal turmoil. As he drowns his sorrows in solitude, Yeon Ji-young appears before him, leading to a tearful kiss that intertwines his past wounds with his feelings for her, culminating in a dramatic ending.

Portraying the tyrannical yet gourmet Lee Heon, Lee Chae-min delivers a multi-dimensional character, blending the coldness of a ruler with the loneliness and desire for revenge tied to his mother's death. His curiosity towards Yeon Ji-young's innovative dishes adds a twist to his character, marking him as a promising new talent from the first episode. The recent episodes showcase his nuanced control of voice and expression, revealing the tyrant's ruthlessness and regal dignity, while also capturing his growing affection for Yeon Ji-young. This duality drives both tension and excitement in the drama, establishing him as a 'gem of romantic comedy'.

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