Lee Chae Min is suddenly the most in-demand actor in Korea, with reports that as many as 30 scripts for new projects have landed on his desk following the runaway success of tvN’s weekend drama Bon Appétit, Your Majesty.
The series has been a sensation at home and abroad, spotlighting Lee’s performance as tyrant-king Lee Heon, a ruler with a “perfect palate” who delivers both comedy and romance in equal measure. Despite being cast only a month before production began, the actor immersed himself in the role, training in horseback riding, archery, action choreography and even the traditional Chuyong dance in record time.
His co-star YoonA praised him, saying, “Even though he had so little prep time, he came in fully ready. He was Lee Heon, through and through.” Director Jang Tae Yoo also weighed in, saying, “He was prepared to shoot at any moment.”
The numbers back up the acclaim. Episode 10, which aired September 21st, drew a series-high 15.8% nationwide rating (Nielsen Korea). Just two days later, on September 23rd, Lee ranked No. 1 on the Korean Business Research Institute’s monthly Actor Brand Reputation ranking.
Industry buzz is already fixated on what comes next. “Even before the finale, 30 different scripts have been sent to Lee Chae Min,” one insider revealed, calling him the “one pick” for both filmmakers and drama producers alike.
While fans will say goodbye to him this week as Bon Appétit, Your Majesty wraps, they won’t have to wait long for his return. Later this year, Lee will appear in the Netflix original Cashero.
>> Lee Chae Min, Ryu Da In Show Off Real-Life Romance Amid ‘Bon Appétit, Your Majesty’ Succes
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