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Lee Chae-min on success of 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty,' next project, relationship with actress Ryu Da-in
Lee Chae-min on success of 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty,' next project, relationship with actress Ryu Da-in
The popularity of Korean actor Lee Chae-min, 25, has soared, thanks to the hit series “Bon Appétit, Your Majesty.”
“Bon Appétit, Your Majesty,” which ended on Sept. 28, achieved success in the ratings, getting 17.107 percent nationwide rating in South Korea for episode 12, the drama’s finale.
Lee Chae-min played the role of King Yi Heon opposite actress Yoona, who played the role of chef Yeon Ji-yeong.
In an interview with Korean media, Lee Chae-min discussed various topics including season 2, his career, and his relationship with actress Ryu Da-in.
In 2020, he signed a contract with Korean agency Gold Medalist and transferred to Varo Entertainment, Byeon Woo-seok’s agency, this year.
His first drama project was “High Class” in 2021. He also appeared in “Love All Play,” “See You in My 19th Life” and "Crushology 101.”
Ryu Da-in
Lee Chae-min and Ryu Da-in appeared in the 2023 series “Crash Course in Romance,” which starred Jeon Do-yeon and Jung Kyung-ho.
On March 25 last year, a video of the two of them walking together in Bukchon area in Seoul.
After this, the two confirmed their relationship with Gold Medalist telling Korean media, “Lee Chae-min and Ryu Da-in have been colleagues and have developed good feelings for each other. We ask that you look upon them with warm eyes."
Recently, some netizens speculated a “Lovestagram” between Lee Chae-min and Ryu Da-in when they posted birthday cakes on Instagram, which came from the same bakery. Previously, netizens said the two wore couple rings.
On Sept. 30, Lee Chae-min met with Korean reporters on Sept. 30 in Gangnam, Seoul for an interview wherein he discussed “Bon Appétit, Your Majesty,” career, and Ryu Da-in.
About the cake “Lovestagram,” Lee Chae-min said, "I also saw the article that came out yesterday, but it's not true. But when I saw that kind of story coming out, I thought that that's how much attention we're getting," Korean media reported.
Regarding the couple rings, he said, "I never thought it would become a hot topic. I didn't wear it with any intention; I just wore it for fashion. I didn't think there would be reporters in front of me on my way to the wrap-up party, and I didn't think they would take pictures. If I had to say, it was my mistake.”
When asked if it was a fashion or couple ring, he said, “Oh, that’s a secret.”
Lee Chae-min was also asked if there was any reaction from Ryu Da-in regarding the drama. He said, “We don't really talk much about our work, and I don't really discuss that kind of stuff either. Honestly, I don't have much to say about it. and I'm careful about it."
On whether being in a public relationship (with Ryu Da-in) became a burden as he acted in a romantic drama, he said, “Rather than feeling pressured, it gives me a passion to immerse myself in this role and give it my all. I control my mind with the thought that if I only show myself as the character I'm playing, not as Lee Chae-min, the viewers will be more immersed.”
“Bon Appétit, Your Majesty,” career
There are netizens who are asking if there will be season 2 of “Bon Appétit, Your Majesty.”
Lee Chae-min said, “I think they enjoyed it that much. If there were a second season, I thought it would be about Yi Heon’s modern adaptation, but I think it would be more appropriate for Yi Heon to end up in a historical drama.”
Did he feel the drama’s popularity? Lee Chae-min said, “I've been getting a lot of calls from people around me, and even acquaintances and family members have told me they enjoy watching it, and we've even had video calls to say hello. It's been amazing to even have people recognize me on the street.”
There were reports that he received more than 30 scripts for his next project.
“It seems like a variety of projects are coming in, both dramas and movies. Honestly, I haven't even reviewed all the scripts yet, so I can't say for sure which ones are coming in,” he said.
On what genre of work he would like to try in the future, he said, “I don't want to categorize the genre, but since I'm a male actor, I want to try film noir and a deep, tear-jerking romance.”
Lee Chae-min received favorable remarks about his acting in “Bon Appétit, Your Majesty." On whether he feels a lot of pressure about acting in his next project, he said, “That's the biggest thing. That's why I'm choosing my next project carefully and trying to carefully choose a character I can excel at. I feel like I need to work even harder.”
Reward vacation
Because of the success of “Bon Appétit, Your Majesty,” the cast will be going on a reward vacation in Da Nang, Vietnam.
Lee Chae-min said a reward vacation is one of his wishes as an actor.
"I heard that we're going on a reward vacation to Da Nang soon. One of my wishes as an actor has come true," he said.
He added, "While working as an actor, my dream was to go on a reward vacation after finishing a project, and this dream has come true this time. It felt even more like a dream now that it has come true. I used to jokingly say to the drama staff, 'I want to go on a reward vacation,' but I never thought it would come true this time."
Lee Chae-min earlier announced that he will embark on an Asia fan meeting in Manila and other cities.