Lee Chae-min Captivates Viewers with His Direct Romance in 'The Tyrant's Chef'

Actor Lee Chae-min has charmed audiences with his straightforward romance in the tvN drama ‘The Tyrant’s Chef.’ Playing the role of Lee Heon, Lee Chae-min battled fiercely to save Yeon Ji-yeong, portrayed by Im Yoon-ah, leaving a lasting impression with his heartfelt confession.

In the episode aired on the 21st, Lee Heon’s desperate struggle to protect Yeon Ji-yeong, who was falsely accused of attempted regicide, was depicted. Faced with the hardship of the woman he loves, Lee Heon’s emotions ran high. Particularly, seeing Yeon Ji-yeong imprisoned, he conveyed his crumbling heart through his eyes, a mix of sorrow and rage, drawing viewers into the story at its peak. He also firmly confronted characters like Dowager Empress Ja-hyeon (Shin Eun-jung), who doubted Yeon Ji-yeong, and Kang Mok-ju (Kang Han-na), the architect of the scheme, demonstrating his unwavering trust in Yeon Ji-yeong.

Lee Heon’s earnestness, even risking himself to uncover the truth, resonated deeply with viewers, evoking profound pathos. After enduring hardships, Lee Heon gifted Yeon Ji-yeong a traditional dance performance, the Cheoyongmu, and completed their romance by placing a jade ring on her finger while confessing, 'I don’t want you to go back.'

Lee Chae-min masterfully navigated the character's complex emotions, oscillating between the tyrant’s passion and devoted love, painting a multi-dimensional portrayal. He skillfully balanced the impulsive pursuit of protecting his loved one with tender romantic sentiments, amplifying the excitement. His nuanced facial expressions and trembling voice, reflecting his character's emotions, completely mesmerized the audience.

With only two episodes remaining for ‘The Tyrant’s Chef,’ Lee Chae-min’s immersive performance continues to garner significant attention.

Born in 2000, Lee Chae-min debuted in 2021 with the KBS Drama Special 'Dreaming of a Freeloading House'. He began to gain significant attention after taking a leading role in the 2022 KBS 2TV drama 'Love All Play'. In addition to his acting career, Lee Chae-min is currently showcasing his versatile talents as the MC for KBS's 'Music Bank'.