Who is the top-ranked actor of late 2025, currently hailed as the “next big thing” in Korean entertainment? None other than Lee Chae-min a name that has surged in popularity following his breakout performance in tvN’s hit drama Bon Appétit, Your Majesty.
Lee didn’t just ride the show’s success he drove it. According to the Korean Corporate Reputation Research Institute, he claimed the No. 1 spot in the September 2025 Drama Actor Brand Rankings and defended that position in October, making him the top-ranked actor for two consecutive months.
While Bon Appétit, Your Majesty has become his definitive career turning point, it was far from a smooth beginning. Lee was cast only a month before filming began due to a sudden drop-out from the original lead. It marked his first-ever historical drama lead role an enormous challenge with very little prep time. Yet Lee faced the pressure head-on.
In a recent interview, he revealed, “I had to cut down on sleep just to study the script.” He even trained intensively in horseback riding, calligraphy, and traditional fan dancing to convincingly portray the majesty of the king. It’s reported that by the end of production, he was riding without a stunt double a testament to his relentless commitment. The production team praised him, saying he delivered “120% satisfaction” and “truly made the role his own.”
This determination is no surprise to those familiar with Lee’s background. A former honor student, Lee ranked 6th overall at his middle school and frequently scored top grades in mock exams. During his appearance on Crash Course in Romance, he shared that his original dream was to become an elementary school teacher.
But everything changed during his winter break in the second 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 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’s Music Bank. In 2024, he landed his first lead role in Netflix’s Hierarchy. While his visuals turned heads 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 Appétit, Your Majesty unlocking his full potential, anticipation is high for what Lee Chae-min will tackle next. From model student to mainstream sensation, he’s proof that smart work, not just good looks, wins in the long run.
Sources: daum