Actor Lee Chae-min has successfully completed his role as Lee Heon in the tvN drama 'The Chef of Tyrant', earning praise for proving his versatile acting skills.
In the final episode aired on the 28th, Lee Heon returned to the palace after being falsely accused of murdering Queen Inju (played by Seo Yi-sook) and confronted Prince Je-san (played by Choi Gui-hwa), who plotted rebellion, heightening the dramatic tension. Despite facing a fate of exile and confronting Prince Je-san, who kidnapped Yeon Ji-young (played by Lim Yoon-a), he ultimately faced a tragic moment when Yeon Ji-young met her death and he lost everything.
However, miraculously reuniting with Yeon Ji-young across time, the drama concluded with a happy ending. Lee Chae-min delicately expressed the complex inner nature of Lee Heon, showcasing his unique charm, and drew viewers' immersion with intense gaze, strong voice, and stable tone to embody the character's charisma.
Immediately after the broadcast, viewers expressed their support, saying, "He did not fall behind even when facing veteran actors," "I am really looking forward to his next project," and "His acting skills are impeccable."
The final episode achieved its highest viewership rating, recording a national rating of 17.1% and 17.4% in the metropolitan area according to Nielsen Korea.
On the 29th, Lee Chae-min's agency Baro Entertainment conveyed his thoughts on the end of the show, stating, "I am grateful and happy that the drama we filmed together through the cold winter to the hot summer received so much love. I hope it will be a work that brings laughter, excitement, warmth, and inspiration to viewers' memories for a long time. It was a precious time that gave me great learning and growth, and I will repay you with good works and performances in the future."
Lee Chae-min was urgently cast just ten days before the first filming of 'The Chef of Tyrant' due to Park Sung-hoon's sudden departure. Despite the short preparation period, he showcased stable acting and left a strong impression on the public as a rising star, raising expectations for his future endeavors.