Actor Lee Chae-min Looks for New Roles After Hit Show

Actor Lee Chae-min is getting ready for new acting jobs after his successful drama 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty'. He is thinking about joining a fantasy mystery show and a drama based on a popular book. He will also be on a new variety TV show.
By Newsroom | Entertainment, South Korea |

The professional path of actor Lee Chae-min is currently a subject of significant interest. Following his leading role in the widely recognized K-drama "Bon Appétit, Your Majesty," reports indicate he is considering multiple new projects, signaling a strategic move to broaden his acting portfolio. This development occurs as "Bon Appétit, Your Majesty" itself garnered global attention, topping Netflix's Non-English TV chart and marking a substantial success for its cast.

Lee Chae-min Gear’s Up for His Big Screen Debut - 1

The narrative surrounding Lee Chae-min’s career shows him leveraging the momentum from "Bon Appétit, Your Majesty." The drama, which aired in the summer of 2025, is highlighted for its unique blend of historical settings with culinary and romantic themes. Lee Chae-min's portrayal of King Yi Heon, a character described as complex and temperamental, has been a focal point, with some reports suggesting he was cast only a month before filming commenced, necessitating intensive preparation.

Read More: Arc Raiders Game Is Very Popular After Launch

Lee Chae-min Gear’s Up for His Big Screen Debut - 2

Key Developments and Potential Projects

Lee Chae-min's recent activities point towards an active engagement with new opportunities:

Lee Chae-min Gear’s Up for His Big Screen Debut - 3

  • Potential Fantasy Mystery K-Drama: Reports from early February 2026 suggest Lee Chae-min is in discussions for a role in a new fantasy mystery K-drama. This potential project would mark a return to the fantasy genre for the actor, following his earlier success in "Bon Appétit, Your Majesty."

  • "The Miracles of the Namiya General Store" Adaptation: Lee Chae-min is reportedly being considered for the lead role in a Korean drama adaptation of Keigo Higashino's bestselling novel, "The Miracles of the Namiya General Store." This project is seen as a significant opportunity to showcase his dramatic range, focusing on emotional depth and human connection.

  • Variety Show Debut: He is also slated to make his variety show debut on PD Na's "Take A Hike," indicating an expansion beyond traditional acting roles.

"Bon Appétit, Your Majesty": A Catalyst for Stardom

The historical fantasy romance drama "Bon Appétit, Your Majesty" appears to be a pivotal moment in Lee Chae-min's career. The series, which pairs him with Girls' Generation's Im Yoon-a, achieved significant global viewership, reaching the number one spot on Netflix's Global Non-English TV chart.

Read More: BTS is Top Boy Group in February Rankings

Lee Chae-min Gear’s Up for His Big Screen Debut - 4

  • Role as King Yi Heon: Lee Chae-min played King Yi Heon, a character he described as "unapproachable and recklessly stirs things up like a typhoon," possessing an "unstable state of mind and a hot-blooded temperament, yet also has an unexpectedly quirky side." His performance required learning new skills, including horseback riding, archery, and sword fighting, to embody the demanding role.

  • Production Timeline: Evidence suggests a compressed production schedule for "Bon Appétit, Your Majesty," with Lee Chae-min reportedly landing his role just one month before filming began in late July 2025, ahead of its release in August 2025.

Diversification and Public Engagement

Beyond his acting roles, Lee Chae-min is actively engaging with his audience and diversifying his professional presence:

  • First Asia Fan Tour: In the wake of "Bon Appétit, Your Majesty's" success, Lee Chae-min announced his first large-scale Asia fan tour in late September 2025, reflecting his growing popularity and demand across the region.

  • Brand Appeal: His rising profile has led to increased attention from brands for endorsements and photoshoots, further cementing his status as a prominent "next-generation star."

  • Performance Insights: Lee Chae-min's academic background includes a major in acting from the Korea National University of Arts. Personal anecdotes shared by the actor mention a tendency to sweat profusely during filming and the practicalities of his craft, such as using a nose washer after working in dusty environments.

Contrasting Roles and Career Strategy

The current career landscape for Lee Chae-min presents a strategic selection of diverse roles:

Read More: High on Life 2 Game Is Out, People Talk About Its Funny Jokes and New Skateboard Moves

ProjectGenreReported Role / FocusImplication for Career
"Bon Appétit, Your Majesty"Fantasy RomanceKing Yi Heon; historical figure with complex emotions.Established him as a leading actor; global recognition.
Fantasy Mystery K-Drama (In Talks)Fantasy MysteryPotential lead role; exploring genre expansion.Further engagement with fantasy elements; potential for a different character arc.
"The Miracles of the Namiya General Store"Drama (Adaptation)Reported lead; character-driven narrative with emotional depth.Focus on nuanced performance; opportunity to solidify dramatic acting credentials.
"Cashero" (Netflix)Superhero SeriesVillain (Jonathan); darker, intense performance.Demonstrated versatility; ability to portray antagonists effectively.
"Take A Hike" (Variety Show)VarietyParticipant; personal brand development and audience connection.Broadening public persona beyond acting roles.

Expert Observations and Industry Signals

Industry observers note Lee Chae-min's ascent as a notable development in the current K-drama landscape. His engagement with a variety of projects, from character-driven dramas to genre pieces and public appearances, suggests a calculated approach to building a lasting career. The swift transition from a breakout role to being in consideration for major projects underscores his perceived marketability and talent.

Conclusion and Forward Look

Lee Chae-min's career trajectory following "Bon Appétit, Your Majesty" is marked by a deliberate expansion of his acting roles and public presence. His reported involvement in a new fantasy mystery K-drama and the adaptation of "The Miracles of the Namiya General Store" signal an ambition to explore varied narratives and solidify his position as a versatile leading actor. Concurrently, his variety show debut and ongoing fan engagements highlight a strategic effort to connect with a wider audience. The evidence points to a concerted effort to leverage his current success into a multifaceted and enduring career in the entertainment industry.

Sources Used:

Read More: Elizabeth Hurley and Billy Ray Cyrus Share Their Story

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Lee Chae-min known for?
He is known for his role as King Yi Heon in the popular K-drama 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty'.
Q: What new projects might Lee Chae-min do?
He is looking at a fantasy mystery K-drama and a show based on the book 'The Miracles of the Namiya General Store'.
Q: Will Lee Chae-min be on TV shows other than dramas?
Yes, he is planning to be on a variety show called 'Take A Hike'.