Lee Chae-min's Awakening in 'Chef of the Tyrant' Boosts Ratings
In the latest episode of tvN's weekend drama 'Chef of the Tyrant,' Lee Chae-min's character, Lee Heon, underwent a significant awakening to protect Im Yoon-a's character, Yeon Ji-yeong, leading to a surge in viewership ratings. The 7th episode, aired on the 13th, saw Lee Heon rescuing Yeon Ji-yeong from a trap set by General Jesan (played by Choi Gwi-hwa), deepening their bond. This pivotal moment helped the episode achieve an average nationwide viewership of 12.6% and a peak of 14.6%, securing the top spot in its time slot across all channels, including terrestrial broadcasters.
When Yeon Ji-yeong embarked on a perilous journey to meet the eccentric inventor Jang Chun-saeng (played by Ko Chang-seok) in search of a pressure cooker for a cooking competition, Lee Heon, unable to hide his concern and desire to be by her side, joined her quest despite the arduous trek.
Throughout the challenging mountain path, Lee Heon's character evolved, transitioning from grumbling to actively protecting Yeon Ji-yeong in moments of crisis. His protective stance, shielding her amidst the strange and advanced weaponry at the inventor's home, offered viewers a sense of thrilling romance. Yeon Ji-yeong's gaze towards the unfamiliar yet dependable Lee Heon also reflected a newfound emotion.
Meanwhile, Jang Chun-saeng initially refused Yeon Ji-yeong's request, citing past exploitation of his ancestors. However, Yeon Ji-yeong's heartfelt cooking and her sincere wish to bring happiness to people through food eventually swayed him, leading him to promise the creation of the pressure cooker. The situation took a turn for the worse when assassins, dispatched by General Jesan's faction aiming to disrupt the competition and seize power, attacked the inventor's residence shortly after the pressure cooker was completed.
Lee Heon, left alone with Yeon Ji-yeong amidst the relentless assault, shielded her with his own body, undeterred by the danger. Reinforcements led by Im Song-jae (played by Oh Ui-sik) arrived just in time, allowing Yeon Ji-yeong and Lee Heon to return to the palace safely. Even while bleeding from the attack, Lee Heon's sole concern was Yeon Ji-yeong's condition, expressing his remorse for putting her through hardship. Yeon Ji-yeong, easing his guilt, thanked him warmly, stating, "You were truly cool."
This shared ordeal has forged a stronger connection between Yeon Ji-yeong and Lee Heon. Despite her injured hand and the compromised pressure cooker, Yeon Ji-yeong now has Lee Heon as her unwavering shield. The drama leaves viewers anticipating how Yeon Ji-yeong, backed by Lee Heon's support, will showcase her culinary prowess in the upcoming competition.
Lee Chae-min, born in 2000, debuted in the KBS2 drama 'Love All Play' in 2021. He gained significant popularity as the youngest MC for 'Music Bank,' praised for his stable hosting skills. In 'Chef of the Tyrant,' he is expanding his acting range by portraying a complex character who evolves from a protective figure to a devoted partner.