Lee Chae-min Sizzles Opposite YoonA in ‘Chef of the Tyrant’
What do you get when you mix a culinary genius, a time-traveling chef, and a brooding royal tyrant with a taste for gourmet food? The answer is tvN’s ‘Chef of the Tyrant’—a K-drama that’s currently stirring the pot with its early buzz and breakout star Lee Chae-min.
Meet the Drama Lighting Up Weekend Screens
‘Chef of the Tyrant’ is tvN’s latest fantasy-romance drama blending monarchy, modern cuisine, and a sprinkle of time-travel. The show’s premise? A tyrannical ruler with a supernatural palate meets a French-trained chef from the present day. Chaos and chemistry ensue.
Four episodes in, and it’s already making noise—both on domestic ratings charts and on global streaming platforms like Netflix, where it’s clawed its way into the Top 10 Non-English TV Shows. K-drama fans, take notice.
The Breakout: Lee Chae-min Steps Into the Spotlight
Until now, Lee Chae-min was best known for his supporting roles and rookie appearances. But with ‘Chef of the Tyrant’, he’s graduated to leading man—and his transformation is attracting attention. As the tyrant prince Lee Heon, he toes the line between deliciously frightening and surprisingly funny.
Critics and fans alike are calling his performance a revelation. One user wrote on Twitter, “This casting came out of nowhere—and it’s perfect. He OWNS the screen.” Another praised, “He’s bringing depth and humor to a complex role. Total scene-stealer!”
- Ranked 16th in September Netizen Awards for Best Actor
- Received over 70 votes, signaling growing fan base
- Credited with bringing unexpected nuance to the role
YoonA: The Veteran Anchor to a Fantasy Feast
Helping to balance all that fiery energy is Girls’ Generation’s YoonA, portraying Yeon Ji-young, a passionate French chef who finds herself inexplicably transported back in time. Sparks fly—emotionally and narratively.
No stranger to complex roles, YoonA once again proves her range. Her natural charisma and grounded performance provide the perfect counterweight to Lee’s intense portrayal. Her steady presence has also earned her 11th place this month in the Netizen Awards for Best Actress, with over 78 votes.
It’s a spicy pairing. Think Gordon Ramsay meets a Joseon-era Game of Thrones character—and it’s somehow working.
A Recipe for Ratings Success
Aside from the onscreen chemistry, ‘Chef of the Tyrant’ is enjoying blockbuster success:
- tvN’s highest-rated weekend drama of 2024 (so far)
- Top 5 placement in Netflix Non-English Global rankings
- Massive international chatter on Twitter, Reddit, and TikTok
K-content analysts point to the drama’s genre-fusion and rising star power as reasons behind its momentum. “This is not your usual sageuk,” a critic noted, referring to traditional Korean period dramas. “It’s playful, bold, and genre-savvy.”
From Rookie to Reigning Prince
Lee Chae-min’s glow-up is the stuff K-drama dreams are made of. Previously flying under the radar, he’s now riding high, thanks to a role that lets him flex emotional, comedic, and culinary chops.
Industry insiders speculate this could be the breakout moment that puts him on casting directors’ speed dials, not just in Korea but globally. As one production rep said, “He’s young, talented, and now proven. Watch this space.”
Old-School Meets New Talent: A Perfect Pairing
While Chae-min’s ascent is undeniable, YoonA’s steady presence reminds us that consistency is queen. Having long crossed over from idol stardom to acting acclaim, she continues to prove she’s more than just a pretty face in a girl group. Fans say, “She’s the glue that grounds this fantastical story.”
Together, they’re elevating ‘Chef of the Tyrant’ from quirky concept to must-watch weekend binge.
FAQs
What is ‘Chef of the Tyrant’ about?
It’s a Korean fantasy-romance drama where a present-day French chef time-travels to the past and ends up cooking for a powerful tyrant king who has a supernatural sense of taste.
Who is Lee Chae-min?
Lee Chae-min is a rising South Korean actor who plays the male lead in ‘Chef of the Tyrant’. He previously appeared in supporting drama roles and is now being hailed as a breakout star thanks to this performance.
Where can I watch it?
‘Chef of the Tyrant’ airs weekly on tvN and is also available to stream on Netflix in select regions.
