Lee Chae-Min, a rookie actor, made a remarkable breakthrough with his lead role as the tyrant King Lee Heon in the 2025 Netflix hit “Bon Appétit, Your Majesty.” Despite joining the cast just a month before filming due to casting issues, Lee’s intense dedication—practicing calligraphy, horseback riding, and vocal training—helped him deliver a multi-dimensional performance that showcased both the king’s brutality and emotional depth. His chemistry with co-star Im Yoona, initially seen as risky, proved successful, contributing to the show’s sleeper hit status with viewership rising from 4.9% to 17.1%.

Lee also embraced the unique challenges of the role, including filming mukbang-style eating scenes that became fan favorites, even gaining 3 kg from on-set food consumption. His commitment to authenticity extended to mastering eating techniques for the camera and performing his own horse-riding stunts. This role marked several firsts for Lee—his first lead, first historical drama, and first mukbang—solidifying him as the breakout actor of the year in 2025.