The historical romance “Bon Appetit, Your Majesty” may have starred a talented chef, Yeon Ji Young (Lim Yoon A), who time-slips to Joseon, but the real-life drama unfolded before the cameras even rolled. Actor Lee Chae Min was the emergency substitution for the tyrannical, taste-obsessed King Lee Heon, a role that demanded immediate intensity and preparation.
Lee Chae Min not only stepped into the crisis, he owned it, delivering a performance so exceptional he was affectionately dubbed “Lee Heon himself.” Fresh off the drama’s successful conclusion, he sat down with the local press to unpack his whirlwind experience—starting with the immense pressure.
“It Would Be a Lie to Say I Didn’t Feel Any Pressure”
Lee Chae Min didn’t mince words about the daunting task of joining a major K-drama at the last minute. “It would be a lie to say I didn’t feel any pressure,” he admitted. “I tried to prepare a lot in a short time, and I’m grateful that many people recognized those efforts.”
His decision to take the role, despite the circumstances, was fueled by professional respect and a love for the script. “I am a fan of Director Jang Tae Yoo, so there was no reason not to take on this project,” he explained. “I read the script, and it was fun and suited my taste. But I also felt I had to work really hard for the role. I entered the project carrying pressure, anticipation, and excitement.”
The Power of Sunbae Support and Synergy
Dealing with initial anxiety and a lack of confidence, Lee found powerful support in his co-star, Lim Yoon A. “Since I joined on such short notice, I was a bit anxious at first… but sunbae gave me a lot of courage,” he shared. “She told me I was doing well, just like Lee Heon, which was a huge support in the beginning.”
Their on-screen dynamic was mirrored by excellent teamwork behind the scenes. Lee praised their working relationship: “There were no conflicts, and she was very accommodating… She even suggested ideas like, ‘How about trying it this way?’ which was a big help to me.”
A King’s Crash Course: From Calligraphy to Cantering
With only a month to transform into a 15th-century monarch, Lee Chae Min’s training was a disciplined race against the clock.
“I attended horseback riding lessons and calligraphy classes, trying to learn as much as possible on set,” he recalled. He continuously practiced right up until the cameras rolled, essentially learning on the job. His dedication even led him to push past the need for stunt doubles: “At first, I didn’t know how to ride properly… Toward the end, I was riding well on my own.”
The historical setting also required careful attention to his speaking style. He attributed his powerful delivery to years of study, saying, “I’ve been attending a vocal academy for the past four years. Considering both the genre and the role, I think many people were able to recognize the things I had learned.”
Mastering the Mukbang of a King
One of the show’s biggest trends was King Lee Heon’s over-the-top reactions to food—whether he was amidst a volcano or a sword dance. CGI shots and exaggerated expressions required unique preparation.
“Actually, I watched a lot of animation for reference,” Lee revealed, alongside studying mukbang (eating broadcast) programs. “I also watched mukbang programs and practiced in front of a mirror. I thought about how to eat in a way that makes it look both nice and [the food] delicious.”
He confessed that while the food was great, the extreme reactions were mostly acting. “Honestly, it wasn’t to the point of making me go ‘Wow~’ or feel like I was flying… I had to exaggerate my reactions a bit.” The biggest challenge was finding a balance where the character’s reaction felt genuine, not simply unlikable.
When asked about his favorite dish, he cited the Beef Bourguignon, though he admitted to grabbing some macarons after filming, even though he’s “not particularly fond of sweets.”
A Tsundere Sister and the Weight of Praise
Lee Chae Min’s strenuous preparation paid off with a deluge of praise, and the comment that delighted him most was that he was Lee Heon. “It feels really rewarding to hear people say, ‘He is Lee Heon himself,'” he smiled.
Even his family became avid viewers, with his “tsundere” younger sister sending him a rare but sincere message of support: “You worked hard.”
Now, as he’s mentioned in the same breath as rising stars like Byeon Woo Seok and Choo Young Woo, the pressure continues to mount. Lee views this as part of the job: “I think it is my duty to accept the pressure that comes with this profession… I also feel a strong responsibility to show a good side of myself in my next project.”
Future Dreams: Noir, Melo, and Never Losing Himself
The former top student, who once dreamed of being an elementary school teacher, is now an in-demand actor receiving a flood of offers. Though tight-lipped about specifics, he knows what he wants: noir or a deep, tear-jerking melo.
Ultimately, for Lee Chae Min, “Bon Appetit, Your Majesty” will be remembered as a crucial turning point. “I discovered aspects of myself that I didn’t know [I had],” he reflected. But more than anything, he values the human connection: “I believe there’s no greater gift than having good people by your side… I met so many wonderful people on set.”
As he navigates his skyrocketing fame, his mindset remains grounded: to be honest, cheerful, and positive—never losing the true self he’s had since he was young. With that winning approach, viewers will be eagerly anticipating what delicious drama he serves up next!
