Behind Lee Chae Min's Success in 'The Tyrant's Chef'

Lee Chae Min mastered a king in one month for 'The Tyrant's Chef'
He faced great anxiety but found support
Lee Chae Min aims to stay grounded always

From a relatively unknown rookie to the actor who successfully anchored a major tvN drama, Lee Chae Min's journey in "The Tyrant's Chef" (also known as "Bon Appétit, Your Majesty") is a story of immense pressure and triumphant payoff. When the original casting shifted, the role of the tyrant king Lee Heon fell onto the shoulders of the 2000-born Lee Chae Min, an announcement that was met with more industry concern than anticipation.

Skeptics pointed to his young age, a decade younger than his co-star Yoona, and his sparse filmography. The pressure was immense, he had to not only prove his acting chops but also seamlessly integrate into a tightly planned 12-episode production without causing a hitch. His success was far from guaranteed, making his eventual critical and ratings victory one of the most talked-about stories of the drama's run. However, this success didn't come without its significant hurdles for the young actor.

A Trial by Fire: One Month to Become a King

Thrust into the role as a replacement, Lee Chae Min was faced with a daunting, non-negotiable deadline. He had just over one month to completely transform into the complex historical figure, King Lee Heon. This meant rapidly acquiring a host of new, period-specific skills from scratch.

His preparation was intense and immersive, focusing primarily on mastering the aristocratic arts of calligraphy and horseback riding. His natural affinity for sports helped him pick up riding remarkably fast.

“I practiced calligraphy every day and rode horses. I’ve always liked sports, so I picked up horseback riding quickly. By the end, I was doing scenes alone without a stunt double. I was so good at it in the last days that I almost wished I hadn’t improved so fast,” Lee Chae Min revealed.

Fortunately, he wasn't alone in this whirlwind preparation. The production team and senior actors formed a robust support system to help him find his footing.

“The director and seniors often arranged group readings so I could get into character. They continued doing this into the early stages of filming, and it really helped," He acknowledged this gratefully.

This collaborative environment was crucial in helping him build the foundation for his acclaimed performance.

Overcoming Anxiety and Finding His Footing

Despite the external support, Lee Chae Min's internal world was filled with anxiety. Joining a high-profile project at the last minute is a daunting task for any actor, let alone a rookie. He admitted to feeling overwhelmed and insecure at the start.

“Since I suddenly joined the project, I felt anxious and overwhelmed at first. Every time she told me ‘you’re doing well,’ it gave me strength,” Lee Chae Min admitted.

This initial lack of confidence was something he had to actively overcome through sheer hard work and encouragement from his colleagues. A significant vote of confidence came from director Jang Tae Yoo, who, after initially having another actor in mind, became one of his biggest champions.

The director publicly praised him, saying, “I’m 120% satisfied. Lee Chae Min didn’t just prepare, he delivered results.”

Lee Chae Min vividly recalls the pivotal moment he earned that trust.

“At some point, he said, ‘Do as you like.’ I guess I started looking like Lee Heon? I gained confidence and wanted to act freely," he said.

Furthermore, his co-star Yoona became a reliable pillar of support.

“She approached me warmly, shared ideas, and encouraged me a lot. Since I suddenly joined the project, I felt anxious and overwhelmed at first. Every time she told me ‘you’re doing well,’ it gave me strength," Lee Chae Min recalled Yoona help.

Following the drama's successful run, which saw viewership ratings soar from 4.9% to an impressive 17.1%, Lee Chae Min has been inundated with opportunities, with rumors swirling of over 30 drama scripts landing on his desk. Yet, amidst this rapid rise to fame, the actor, who was once a top-tier student on a path to become a teacher before pivoting to acting, remains grounded and reflective. His goals are not just about fame or more roles, but about maintaining his core self.

“My biggest goal as an actor is not to lose myself. I may adapt depending on the situation, but I don’t want my essence to change. I believe being a good person is necessary before being a good actor, so I can have a positive influence," Lee Chae Min concludes with a mature perspective.

This thoughtful approach suggests that Lee Chae Min is not just a fleeting success story, but an actor with the depth and resilience for a long and meaningful career.

Source: Allkpop, dispatch.co.kr