South Korean actor Lee Chae-Min has quickly become one of the rising stars in the K-drama industry. Recognized for his versatility, Lee Chae-Min has delivered standout performances across various drama genres, from romantic comedies to school thrillers and fantasy shows.
He consistently impresses both audiences and critics with his ability to embody complex characters with depth and emotional nuance. Whether playing heartwarming leads or memorable supporting roles, his commitment to every project makes him one of the younger talents to watch in entertainment.
1. Bon Appétit, Your Majesty
Bon Appétit, Your Majesty is a romantic fantasy drama where Lee Chae-Min takes on his first major lead as Crown Prince Yi Heon. His character is lively, energetic, and passionate about food, living during the Joseon dynasty. The story takes a unique twist when he meets a modern-day chef, played by SNSD’s Yoona, who travels back in time and changes his perception of happiness through culinary humor.
The show broke industry records, achieving a national average rating of 17.1% and peaking at 19.4%, according to Nielsen Korea. It remained the number one series in its timeslot and topped domestic popularity charts for five weeks, as reported by Good Data Corporation. On Netflix, it reached the global top 2 for TV series, which is rare for Korean historical drama.
Industry insiders highlight that Lee Chae-Min’s performance was pivotal to the drama’s success, with him reportedly receiving up to 30 new project offers before the finale aired. This achievement signifies his growing reputation and demand in the global entertainment ecosystem.
2. Crushology 101
Crushology 101 explores the lives of four charming university students and the joys and pains of youthful romance. In the series, Lee Chae-Min plays Hwang Jae Yeol, an ambitious Visual Design student at Yein University. He is portrayed as a classic “tsundere,” appearing cold but showing a warm, caring side to those close to him.
Jae Yeol’s rivalry and chemistry with Ban Hee Jin, played by Roh Jeong-eui, form the dramatic core of the story. Critics have praised Lee’s nuanced delivery and emotional range, elevating the character from a typical rival to a deeply sympathetic figure.
3. Hierarchy
In the Netflix drama Hierarchy, Lee Chae-Min stars as transfer student Kang Ha, a student holding secrets and trauma. The show is set in Jooshin High School, an elite institution dominated by the top 0.01% of privileged youth. Kang Ha’s arrival disrupts the rigid social structure, and his mysterious motives place him at the center of the school’s power struggles.
Lee Chae-Min’s performance is intense, with critics singling out his ability to convey vulnerability beneath a stoic facade. This drama solidifies his place as a strong lead in youth-centric thrillers.
4. See You in My 19th Life
See You in My 19th Life features Lee Chae-Min as Kang Min Gi, a mysterious character with unique abilities. He supports Ban Ji Eum (Shin Hye-sun), who is searching for lost memories spanning multiple lifetimes. Although his role here is considered supporting, fans and reviewers note that his screen presence adds significant weight to several key episodes.
Min Gi’s actions drive several turning points in the plot, and viewers appreciate how Lee brings emotional gravitas to even limited on-screen time. This role demonstrates his strength as a memorable supporting actor.
5. Crash Course in Romance
Crash Course in Romance offers a look at the pressures of South Korea’s highly competitive education system. Lee Chae-Min plays Sun Jae, an elite and ambitious student with a complex relationship with his teacher Choi Chi Yeol (Jung Kyung-ho). The character is smart, responsible, and holds high expectations for himself, representing many real-life young people in similar situations.
Media outlets have praised Lee for his sensitive portrayal, conveying both internal stress and moments of youthful vulnerability. Many viewers relate to his character’s struggle in balancing academics and personal connection.
6. Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow
Lee Chae-Min’s appearance in the hit fantasy series Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow might be brief, but it leaves a lasting impact. He took on a mysterious cameo role that adds depth to the show’s complex world of magic and hidden identities. Many fans point out that his performance, although limited in screentime, brings something fresh to the ensemble cast.
This small but significant part illustrates Lee’s knack for making every role memorable, regardless of its size.
7. Love All Play
Love All Play is a sports drama centered on the world of competitive badminton. In this series, Lee Chae-Min brings to life Lee Ji Ho, a determined athlete facing rivalry within a high-pressure team environment. The drama stands out from others in the genre by highlighting themes of teamwork, friendship, and perseverance.
Cast members, including Park Ju Hyun and Chae Jong Hyeop, have complimented Lee for his ability to blend into the group dynamic and energize every scene. Critics observe that his portrayal helps broaden his appeal beyond romantic roles.
8. High Class
High Class marks one of the starting points in Lee Chae-Min’s career, where he portrays Ahn Seung Jo at an elite international school. The drama revolves around the secrets and scandals of wealthy families, with Lee’s character caught up in school intrigue and family mystery.
Analysts note that High Class served as a crucial training ground for Lee, giving him the foundation and exposure needed to tackle more complex roles in subsequent projects.
Summary Table: Lee Chae-Min’s Top Dramas and TV Shows
| No. | Title | Role/Character | Genre | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bon Appétit, Your Majesty | Yi Heon | Fantasy, Romance | High ratings, breakout lead performance |
| 2 | Crushology 101 | Hwang Jae Yeol | Romance, Campus | Emotional depth in romantic context |
| 3 | Hierarchy | Kang Ha | School, Mystery | Complex and intense main role |
| 4 | See You in My 19th Life | Kang Min Gi | Fantasy, Romance | Memorable supporting role |
| 5 | Crash Course in Romance | Sun Jae | Family, Education | Portrays academic pressure |
| 6 | Alchemy of Souls | Cameo | Fantasy | Impactful short appearance |
| 7 | Love All Play | Lee Ji Ho | Sports, Drama | Dynamic in sports setting |
| 8 | High Class | Ahn Seung Jo | Mystery, Drama | Early career formative experience |
Lee Chae-Min’s resume does not stop at dramas. He has also gained recognition as a music show MC, notably alongside LE SSERAFIM’s Hong Eunchae on the major K-pop program Music Bank. His ability to host live broadcasts and interact with fans demonstrates his versatility beyond acting.
Audiences and critics agree that Lee Chae-Min is an actor with both charm and impressive skill. Every performance, whether leading or supporting, showcases growth and range, confirming his status as one of South Korea’s most promising young stars. Those exploring his works will find each title offers a unique flavor, demonstrating why he is so sought after in today’s entertainment landscape.
