Lee Chae-min talks pressures of joining ‘Bon Appetit, Your Majesty’ as replacement lead

Actor Lee Chae-min poses at a press conference for tvN’s new weekend drama “Bon Appetit, Your Majesty” at D-Cube City in Guro District, Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap

Actor Lee Chae-min and director Jang Tae-yoo of tvN’s new weekend drama “Bon Appetit, Your Majesty” spoke candidly about the challenges and relief that came after a troubled casting process for the male lead.

At the press conference held Tuesday at the Saint Grand Ballroom in D-Cube City, Guro District, Seoul, Lee was joined by fellow cast members Lim Yoon-a, Choi Gwi-hwa, Seo Yi-sook, Oh Eui-shik and director Jang.

The drama initially cast Park Sung-hoon as King Yi Heon, but he withdrew before filming due to personal controversy. Lee Chae-min was brought in as a replacement.

On the casting turmoil, Jang said, “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.”

Jang went on to praise Lee, who joined later than others. “He 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.”

Lee admitted the late casting placed pressure on him. “It’s true I had little time, so the sense of burden and responsibility was heavy,” he said. “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.”

Co-star Choi Gwi-hwa, who plays Prince Jeseon, also praised Lee: “I hadn’t seen his previous work, so I was a bit uneasy at first. But once we started filming, I thought, ‘There’s no one better for this role.’ It was a tough shoot with a huge number of scenes, yet he handled it impressively.”

“Bon Appetit, Your Majesty” follows chef Yeon Ji-yeong (Lim Yoon-a), who time-slips into the past at the height of her career. There, she encounters tyrant King Yi Heon (Lee Chae-min), a ruler with a flawless palate. The survival fantasy romantic comedy premieres Aug. 23 at 9:10 p.m. on tvN.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.