Lee Chae-min Shakes Up K-Drama Best Actor Race
In a surprising twist, rising actor Lee Chae-min has entered the 2025 September Netizen Awards’ Best Actor category, positioning himself among K-drama’s elite. As of 5:04 PM KST on September 3rd, veteran fan favorites are still leading—but the playing field is shifting fast.
Fan-Favorite Byeon Woo-seok Still Dominates
Currently topping the Netizen Awards leaderboard is Byeon Woo-seok with a sweeping lead of 1,601 votes, accounting for 40.6%. Hot on his stylish heels is Rowoon with 440 votes (11.2%), followed by action-drama regular Lee Joon-gi with 288 votes (7.3%).
This early lead doesn’t mean the race is over—it’s K-dramaland, where plot twists are the norm. Fans are known for turning the tide with last-minute voting sprints, especially when emotions run deep.
Mid-Tier Stars Battle for Position
The mid-table is crowded with talent, making it anyone’s game. Na In-woo (201 votes, 5.1%) and Kim Nam-gil (196 votes, 5.0%) are nearly tied, with Lee Jun-ho (171 votes), Uhm Tae-goo (155), and Jang Keun-suk (149) right on their heels. It’s a close-knit battle of acting chops and fan loyalty.
Also competing in the Top 10 are global heartthrobs Park Ji-hoon (135 votes) and a tie between Park Hyung-sik and Lee Min-ho, each holding 92 votes. It’s a K-drama buffet with every flavor of male lead represented.
Enter Lee Chae-min: The Plot Twist We Didn’t See Coming
But the real twist in this month’s vote? Lee Chae-min. The breakout star has racked up 57 votes (1.4%) and landed in the Top 15—no small feat for a relative newcomer. His explosive performance in tvN’s trending drama “The Tyrant’s Chef” (폭군의 셰프) has put him on the radar.
In the series, Lee portrays Lee Heon, a culinary prodigy navigating power, passion, and politics in an imperial kitchen. Equal parts drama and deliciousness, the show is stirring buzz, and fans are clearly responding.
Why Fans Are Falling Hard for Lee Chae-min
Lee Chae-min’s fanbase, affectionately dubbed “Chefmates,” love his versatility—equally magnetic wielding a knife or a smoldering look. On fan forums like TheQoo and Twitter/X, viewers have praised his “emotional depth” and “underdog appeal.”
- “Lee Chae-min deserves ALL the votes. He’s carrying this drama!” — K-drama fan on Reddit
- “Heon in ‘The Tyrant’s Chef’ is giving me main lead syndrome. This is Lee’s era!” — TikTok reaction
- “Didn’t know him before, now I’m obsessed.” — comment on YouTube highlight video
Even casual viewers have found themselves swept into the *web of whisk drama* (yes, kitchen pun intended).
A New Power Player in the Fan Vote Formula
Lee’s entrance adds unexpected spice to what was a predictable recipe. With his popularity rising and his show climbing the rankings, he could easily steal votes from the mid-tier—and even unsettle the Top 5.
His late but strong entry in the Netizen Awards might not win him the crown immediately, but it signals that he’s a force worth watching—and one ready to claim lead roles beyond the small screen kitchen.
What’s Next in This K-Drama Thunderdome?
As the September competition continues, all eyes are on how the fan vote will shift. Will Byeon Woo-seok and Rowoon hold strong? Or will Chae-min’s fresh fan momentum push him up the fandom food chain?
One thing’s for sure: this isn’t just about acting—it’s about who fans want to see next among Korea’s rom-com royals and sageuk sovereigns.
FAQs
Who is Lee Chae-min?
Lee Chae-min is a rising South Korean actor currently starring in tvN’s hit drama “The Tyrant’s Chef.” Known for his charismatic acting and emotional range, he’s gaining nationwide attention and a growing international fandom.
What is the Netizen Awards?
The Netizen Awards are a fan-driven vote recognizing favorite actors, singers, and celebrities in various categories—including Best Actor, based on public votes through online platforms.
How can fans vote for the Netizen Awards?
Fans can cast their votes via the official Netizen Awards website. Voting is updated in real-time, so every vote impacts the standings instantly.
