‘The Tyrant’s Chef’ & YoonA Shake Up Netizen Awards Buzz
While fan favorites like ‘Lovely Runner’ command the spotlight in the September Netizen Awards, a few intriguing undercurrents are bubbling beneath the surface. One of them? The Tyrant’s Chef, a new tvN K-drama that’s cooking up some surprise heat — thanks in large part to its charismatic lead, Lee Chae-min. Meanwhile, Girls’ Generation’s YoonA proves she’s still got staying power in the Female Acting category.
Drama of the Month: ‘Lovely Runner’ Leads, But ‘Tyrant’s Chef’ Garners Buzz
In the Drama of the Month rankings, Lovely Runner is steamrolling the competition with a massive 70.3% of the vote. Motel California and Mom’s Friend’s Son trail far behind with 11.8% and 9.9%, respectively.
Enter tvN’s The Tyrant’s Chef, sitting at a modest 0.4%. That’s only 28 votes — but don’t count it out yet. The dark horse drama has sparked chatter thanks to its unique premise and rising lead actor Lee Chae-min’s bold performance. The slow-burn buzz might just be setting the stage for a late-game surge, the kind fan-powered voting thrives on.
Lee Chae-min: The Underdog Hero of Male Actor Category
Lee Chae-min may only hold 0.9% (80 votes) and rank 17th in the Male Acting category, but here’s the twist: he’s one of the only newcomers making real noise. The Tyrant’s Chef has given him a meaty lead role — think intimidating monarch meets emotional depth — and viewers are taking notice.
The current top dog is Byeon Woo-seok with a dominant 37.9%, followed by Rowoon (10.8%) and Lee Joon-gi (7.6%). Lee may not compete in sheer numbers just yet, but fan-driven awards can flip fast. One viral scene or Twitter trend later? New ballgame.
Female Acting Race: YoonA Quietly Climbing the Ranks
In the Female Acting showdown, Kim Hye-yoon leads the poll with a whopping 50.8%, while Lee Se-young (10.5%) and Jung So-min (8.1%) round out the top three.
But lurking just outside the top 10 is YoonA, holding strong with 1.0% (102 votes). Sure, she’s currently ranked 11th, but don’t let that fool you. The Girls’ Generation alum has a consistent track record in top-rated dramas, and her loyal fandom is always ready for a digital push. Her climb could be just one social media campaign away.
Why ‘The Tyrant’s Chef’ Might Be September’s Sleeper Hit
Any drama featuring a chef in a royal court is already halfway to drama gold. With culinary politics, courtly tension, and character growth all simmering together, The Tyrant’s Chef is one plot twist away from mass buzz. Think Alchemy of Souls meets The King’s Affection — but with more kimchi knife skills.
- Plot Premise: A rebellious royal chef disrupts palace hierarchy — and hearts
- Aesthetic: Grand costumes, sizzling food shots, mood lighting
- Fan Hook: Underdog actor + intricate world-building = fandom fertilizer
More importantly, Lee Chae-min’s screen presence is undeniably magnetic. His layered portrayal of power and vulnerability could be the secret ingredient that earns him a cult following.
Newcomers vs. Icons: What This Means For the Awards
Netizen-voted polls are no stranger to plot twists. Ratings don’t always dictate votes — online buzz, fan engagement, and viral moments play a huge role. That’s why Lee Chae-min’s presence in The Tyrant’s Chef and YoonA’s steady climb make them fascinating variables.
With the September Netizen Awards still open for voting, there’s a real possibility that a late surge of fan enthusiasm could tip the balance. Count out the underdogs at your own risk.
FAQs
What is ‘The Tyrant’s Chef’ about?
The Tyrant’s Chef is a new tvN K-drama combining palace politics with culinary ambition. It follows a royal chef as he navigates corruption, tradition, and his own past while cooking up change in the kingdom.
Who is Lee Chae-min?
Lee Chae-min is a rising actor gaining attention for his lead role in The Tyrant’s Chef. Though he’s relatively new to the scene, his performance is generating buzz thanks to its depth and charisma.
Can YoonA still win the Female Acting award?
Absolutely. YoonA’s current vote share may seem small, but fan-driven awards can shift quickly. Her loyal following and consistent drama performances give her a real shot at an upset.
