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Lee Chae-min is not only serving a different kind of vibe, but in the time-slip rom-com-sageuk Bon Appetit, Your Majesty, which was released on tvN on August 23, 2025, he also confessed how jittery he felt taking on the role as a replacement for its original lead. Fans are aware of the backstory: Bon Appétit, Your Majesty had originally cast a different actor, and it naturally caused expectations to rise.
Rather than trying to rebrand his image through PR gimmicks, Lee has been forthright about how, although the late casting put an extra strain on the process, it also motivated him to work twice as hard on the K-drama, Bon Appétit, Your Majesty. He did not give in to nervousness; instead, he put in efforts, studying the palace etiquette, rehearsing dining scenes, and honing new physical skills so that his role as The King of Joseon appears natural on-screen rather than forced.
Lee’s take on replacing the initial actor cast as the King in Bon Appetit, Your Majesty
Substituting an actor mid-production is like going to a house party and being told to prepare the main course impromptu. To a certain extent, the departure of Park Sung-hoon from Bon Appétit, Your Majesty was a newsbreak, and people were wondering how much this would affect the chemistry and tone of the show. Lee Chae-min entered that electrified room with the knowledge that people would henceforth not only watch the show but also closely watch his performance.
In a press conference at the Saint Grand Ballroom in D-Cube City, Guro District, Seoul, on August 19, 2025, Lee Chae-min said:
“It’s true I had little time, so the sense of burden and responsibility was heavy…But the director invited me often before filming, so I could participate in group readings and shape the character’s tone and feel. The senior actors gave me feedback and support, and the director’s detailed guidance helped a lot.”
What Bon Appétit, Your Majesty’s director Jang Tae-yoo said about the replacement
Director Jang Tae-yoo was not shy about the casting change-up, and he gave some serious credit to Lee Chae-min’s performance in Bon Appétit, Your Majesty. Even though Lee was not the first choice for the role of The King of Joseon in Bon Appétit, Your Majesty, which was initially meant to be played by Park Sung-hoon, Jang admitted that Lee was better than what had been expected.
“Park’s departure happened before main shooting began. It was during the preparation period, when many variables occur. I consider it just part of the time that has passed.
He (Lee) wasn’t the actor we thought of at first, but I am 120 percent satisfied with him. All actors give their best, but that doesn’t always guarantee results. In Lee’s case, his preparation showed in his performance, and I am very pleased.”
What’s next?
The initial episodes can only be described as a test, and early reviews indicate that the combination of the food and romance, and time travel on Bon Appétit, Your Majesty are going down well with many fans. Lee has a compelling journey on the set of Bon Appétit, Your Majesty, as his initial anxiety as an outsider is resolved through a steady transformation into a more confident leading figure. He somehow was able to convert pressure into energy and the energy into a riveting performance that people are taking note of.
Critics and viewers alike are already commenting on the tone of Bon Appétit, Your Majesty, with many applauding the high production value as well as the lighthearted chemistry that Lee has with the rest of the cast but also being cautious to see how his arc as the King will evolve. Seizing this role allows Lee to feel he can stretch his acting abilities: he has gone beyond small and juvenile characters to a larger and more demanding role that requires a cool demeanor as well as cavalier actions.
If the audiences continue to react positively, Lee will be offered more roles, ones that may be surprising and emotionally complex. At the moment, the recipe seems to work: some nervousness, lots of preparation, and a pinch of Lee's unique touch, making it a beloved show for most. Bon appétit, indeed.
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