Actor Lee Chae-min Reflects on Sudden Role in 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty'

Actor Lee Chae-min shares his thoughts on being suddenly cast in a leading role after the previous actor's departure.

Recently, at a cafe in Gangnam, Seoul, Lee Chae-min, who stars in tvN's 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty,' shared his experiences. The new weekend drama 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty' is a survival fantasy romantic comedy about a chef who time-slips to the past and meets a tyrannical king with an exceptional palate. In the drama, Lee Chae-min plays Yeon Hee-gun Lee Heon, a character with the potential to be a good king but is known as a tyrant due to his fiery and prickly nature.

Initially, actor Park Sung-hoon was cast as the male lead in 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty.' However, he stepped down following a major controversy over explicit content posted on his social media late last year. Lee Chae-min was then cast in the role.

Lee Chae-min, who joined the cast just ten days before filming began, said, "Joining midway was challenging, but I worked harder to ensure I didn't cause any inconvenience within the given time." He added, "The senior actors, director, and writer provided valuable feedback, and the staff created an environment conducive to focusing on acting, which was a great help. Thanks to them, I believe we achieved good results. I just did my best in the given situation," showing his humility.

When offered the role just ten days before filming, Lee Chae-min's first feeling was 'pressure.' He admitted, "It's true that there wasn't much time to prepare, but I was worried about being a burden as a newcomer in a project with a great director and respected senior actors. Honestly, I wondered, 'Why did this opportunity suddenly come to me?' I was determined to do my best and not cause any harm, and to give my all for the project."

Lee Chae-min continued, "I prepared as if my life depended on it. I studied the script daily and practiced expressions in front of the mirror. I pondered how to smile in a way that seemed sinister and how to make a tyrannical character appear lovable. This character isn't just a villain; he has a warm side too. I worked hard to portray these diverse aspects."

Kim Se-ah, TenAsia Reporter haesmik@tenasia.co.kr