Lee Chae-min Captivates Audiences with 'Handsome Tyrant' Charm in 'The Tyrant's Chef'

Global fans are falling for Lee Chae-min, the lead actor in the tvN weekend drama ‘The Tyrant’s Chef’. Lee Chae-min is solidifying his status with an 'iconic role' by perfectly embodying the character with an irreplaceable charm, showcasing a range from tender and cheerful to intense and serious.

In the 8th episode aired on the 13th, when Yeon Ji-yeong (Im Yoon-ah) left to procure special tools for a cooking competition, Lee Chae-min (as Lee Heon) felt uneasy despite sending Lim Song-jae (Oh Eui-sik) along and decided to follow her himself. Upon meeting the eccentric technician Jang Chun-saeng (Ko Chang-seok), Lee Heon momentarily displayed his tyrannical side due to the technician's attitude. However, he ultimately secured the cauldron, clearing the path for the cooking battle.

On the way back to the palace, when Yeon Ji-yeong fell into danger due to the schemes of Prince Jaesan (Choi Gwi-hwa), Lee Heon fiercely battled the assassins. This scene hinted at his deep affection for Yeon Ji-yeong, intensifying the romantic atmosphere. The pair's arrival at the competition venue after overcoming various obstacles simultaneously heightened the drama's tension and intrigue.

Lee Chae-min is connecting with viewers by adding his unique flair to the character of Lee Heon. His inability to hide his affection and jealousy towards Yeon Ji-yeong amplified his lovability. He exuded charisma when displaying his kingly demeanor and injected humanistic and humorous elements when mimicking the unfamiliar dish names, significantly enhancing the drama's entertainment value.

Furthermore, his passionate expression and unsparing action performance against assassins while protecting Yeon Ji-yeong captivated the viewers' hearts. His sincere gaze and nuanced emotional portrayal, showing how much he cherishes Yeon Ji-yeong, meticulously built the romantic narrative, raising anticipation for future developments.

Meanwhile, ‘The Tyrant’s Chef’ episode 8, bolstered by Im Yoon-ah’s excellent performance, achieved its highest viewership ratings yet, recording 15.4% nationwide and a peak of 17.4%, with the Seoul metropolitan area reaching 15.8% and a peak of 18.1% (based on Nielsen Korea). Attention is focused on the life and love story that Lee Chae-min, who is responsible for weekend primetime with his tailor-made portrayal of Lee Heon, will unfold going forward.

Lee Chae-min debuted in 2021 with the KBS Drama Special 'Reasons for Not Confessing'. He gained significant popularity as an MC for KBS 2TV's 'Music Bank' in 2022. Currently, he is receiving rave reviews for his outstanding acting skills in the role of Lee Heon in 'The Tyrant's Chef'.