Actor Lee Chae Min has shared his experience of joining the tvN drama “Bon Appetit, Your Majesty“ under unexpected circumstances, revealing the intense pressure and preparation that led to his successful performance as King Lee Heon. The actor replaced Park Sung Hoon just before filming began, requiring a rapid transition into the lead role.
Overcoming Initial Pressure
In a recent interview following the drama’s successful conclusion, Lee Chae Min spoke openly about the challenges he faced. The actor confessed to feeling significant pressure after being brought in as an emergency replacement with less than a month to prepare for his role as the tyrannical king.
“It would be a lie to say I didn’t feel any pressure,” Lee Chae Min stated. “I tried to prepare a lot in a short time, and I’m grateful that many people recognized those efforts.”
He described joining the project with a mix of “pressure, anticipation, and excitement,” noting that he was initially anxious and lacked confidence due to the tight timeframe.
Co-Star Support and Encouragement
A key source of strength for Lee Chae Min came from his co-star Im Yoon A, who played chef Yeon Ji Young opposite his king. He shared how her encouragement helped him build confidence during the challenging start of production.
“Senior gave me a lot of courage,” he revealed. “She told me I was doing well, just like Lee Heon, which was a huge support in the beginning. Our teamwork was excellent.”
He noted that Im Yoon A was very accommodating and even suggested acting ideas during their scenes together. This supportive dynamic helped him settle into the role more comfortably despite the pressured circumstances.
Im Yoon A also commented on their partnership in a separate interview, praising Lee Chae Min’s dedication. “I am grateful to Lee Chae Min, who appeared with Lee Heon from head to toe even though he had no time to spare,” she said. She described him as a “perfectionist” who worked hard to perfect his character, noting they shared similar approaches to their work.
Intensive Role Preparation
Faced with limited preparation time, Lee Chae Min undertook an intense training regimen to master the skills required for his royal character. With only one month before filming, he immersed himself in various historical disciplines.
“I attended horseback riding lessons and calligraphy classes, trying to learn as much as possible on set,” Lee explained. “I kept practicing before the cameras rolled.”
His commitment extended to vocal training, drawing on his four years of attendance at a vocal academy to perfect the commanding voice suitable for a historical drama king. He also developed specific eating behaviors for his character’s food reaction scenes, studying mukbang programs and practicing in front of a mirror to make the food look delicious to viewers.
The actor admitted to sacrificing sleep to study the role thoroughly, constantly reviewing reference materials and experimenting with different ways of speaking to bring authenticity to his character.
Family Recognition and Fan Response
Lee Chae Min’s hard work resonated strongly with viewers, who praised his performance and began calling him “Lee Heon himself” – comments that he found particularly rewarding. His family also took special notice of his work in the drama.
“My parents always enjoy whatever project I do, but they especially enjoyed this one,” he shared. “My younger sister sent me a message on KakaoTalk saying, ‘You worked hard.’ She’s a bit tsundere, so she doesn’t usually say much to me. Since we’ve known each other for a long time, I know how sincere she was. I appreciated it.”
The drama achieved significant success, scoring double-digit ratings in South Korea and becoming the highest-rated K-drama on cable network tvN in 2025. Lee Chae Min’s portrayal of the complex monarch received particular attention for its depth and conviction.
Future Projects and Activities
Following the drama’s success, Lee Chae Min is preparing to connect with fans across Asia through his first fan meeting tour titled “Chaem-into you.” The tour will begin in Seoul on October 24-25, 2025, with stops planned in multiple cities including Jakarta, Manila, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Chengdu, Taipei, and Tokyo.
When asked about future acting projects, Lee Chae Min mentioned receiving many offers for both dramas and movies but has not yet made decisions about his next role. He expressed interest in exploring different genres, specifically mentioning noir and melodrama as potential future choices.
The actor reflected on the personal significance of “Bon Appetit, Your Majesty” in his career, noting that the project helped him discover previously unknown aspects of himself as a performer. He valued the experience of working with what he described as wonderful colleagues and directors, emphasizing the importance of maintaining his true self despite the changes that come with growing recognition in the industry.
Also Read: Bon Appétit, Your Majesty Finale: Fans Celebrate Happy Ending But Have One Big Question
Credits: news.mydramalist.com, entertainment.inquirer.net
