Who is the top actor of late 2025, currently hailed as the “next big thing” in Korean entertainment? Nothing less than Lee Chae-min a name that has become increasingly popular after his performance in tvN’s hit drama series Bon appetit, Your Majesty.
Lee didn’t just ride the show’s success, he led it. According to Korea’s Corporate Reputation Research Institute, he took first place in the September 2025 Drama Actor Brand Ranking and defended that position in October, making him the top actor for two consecutive months.
While Bon appetit, Your Majesty became the definitive turning point of his career, it was anything but an easy start. Lee was cast only a month before filming began due to the original lead’s sudden departure. It marked his first leading role in a historical drama, a huge challenge with very little preparation time. Yet Lee faced the pressure head on.
In a recent interview, he revealed, “I had to cut back on sleep just to study the script.” He also trained extensively in horse riding, calligraphy and traditional fan dancing to convincingly portray the king’s majesty. It is said that by the end of the production he was riding without a stunt double, a testament to his relentless commitment. The production team praised him, saying he delivered everything “120% satisfaction” AND “He really made the role his own.”
This determination comes as no surprise to those familiar with Lee’s background. A former honor student, Lee placed sixth overall at his middle school and often earned top honors on mock exams. During his appearance on Crash course in romancehe shared that his original dream was to become an elementary school teacher.
But everything changed during the winter break of his sophomore year of high school. Inspired to pursue acting, Lee prepared for college auditions with the support of his parents. In just one year, he gained admission to the Korea National University of Arts, as well as acting programs at Sungkyunkwan University, Dongguk University and Sejong University – a rare feat.
Lee debuted in 2021 via tvN’s High Class and later gained public recognition as an MC on KBS Music Bank. In 2024, he landed his first leading role in Netflix Hierarchy. Although his images attracted attention early in his career, what truly elevated him to stardom was the same discipline and work ethic he once applied to his studies.
With Bon appetit, Your Majesty unlocking its full potential, the anticipation is high for what Lee Chae-min will face the next one. From model student to mainstream figure, he’s proof that smart work, not just good looks, wins in the long run.
Sources: daum
