There’s something genuinely likeable about an actor who admits he was terrified of his own role. In his latest Harper’s BAZAAR Korea feature, Lee Chae Min sat down for a candid pictorial and interview — and what came out was a portrait of a young actor who’s quietly building one of K-drama’s most interesting filmographies.
Table of Contents
Lee Chae Min — Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Name | Lee Chae Min |
| Feature | Harper’s BAZAAR Korea — May 2026 Issue |
| Latest Project | Bon Appétit, Your Majesty |
| Role Type | High-intensity tyrant |
| Notable Work | Crushology 101 |
| Known For | Diverse roles across genres |
Two Types of Roles — and Why That Matters
Lee Chae Min explained that the projects he pursues fall into two categories — ones he deeply relates to or finds fun, and ones he isn’t entirely sure about but takes on to challenge himself and discover a new side of his abilities.
It’s a rare and self-aware approach to a career. Most actors lean into what they know. Lee Chae Min actively courts discomfort — and his track record across historical dramas and villain roles shows it’s working.
“Will I Really Be Able to Pull This Off?” — His Bon Appétit, Your Majesty Confession
This is the part of the interview that truly stands out.
Lee Chae Min revealed that Bon Appétit, Your Majesty was a project where he had to clench his teeth and just go for it. While he was grateful for the opportunity, his biggest worry was the “tyrant” keyword — since he isn’t someone who naturally expresses anger or raises his voice, he genuinely questioned whether he could handle such a high-intensity role.
He admitted that in the beginning, he approached the acting almost like a task to carry out, but was ultimately able to see it through with the support of those around him and the director.
That kind of vulnerability — from someone whose job requires projecting authority on screen — is exactly what makes fans connect with actors beyond their characters. Learn more about the craft of acting and performance techniques on Wikipedia.
Also read: Top K-drama actors to watch in 2026 — Technosports
The Competitive Streak That Keeps Him Sharp
On how his competitive spirit has shaped him, Lee Chae Min said it has never allowed him to become complacent — and that rather than trying to follow others around him, he draws motivation from them, which has kept him working hard.
It’s a mindset that explains the diversity of his portfolio at such an early stage of his career. He’s not chasing trends — he’s chasing growth.
For more on rising Korean entertainment stars, keep visiting Technosports.
FAQs
Q: What is Lee Chae Min’s most challenging role to date?
By his own admission, playing the high-intensity tyrant in Bon Appétit, Your Majesty pushed him the furthest outside his comfort zone.
Q: Where can I read Lee Chae Min’s full Harper’s BAZAAR Korea interview?
The complete pictorial and interview are available in the May 2026 issue of Harper’s BAZAAR Korea.
