It has been reported that Rookie actor Lee Chae Min could be replacing Park Sung Hoon in the new drama with YoonA.
An industry insider revealed to Sports Chosun on January 13 that "Lee Chae Min has received an offer to star in tvN's new drama 'The Tyrant’s Chef' (written by HapJak, directed by Jang Tae Yoo) and is reviewing it positively."
'The Tyrant’s Chef' tells the story of a French chef who time-slips and meets a king who is both the worst tyrant and the greatest gourmet, leading to a fantasy survival romance that transcends 500 years. The drama will be directed by Jang Tae Yoo, known for his work on 'Knight Flower' and 'My Love from the Star.'
Recently, the drama production faced a hurdle as the lead actor Park Sung Hoon was forced to step down after receiving criticism for mistakenly posting an inappropriate image on his personal social media account.
On January 11, the production team released a statement: "After extensive discussions with Park Sung Hoon, we concluded that it would be difficult for him to continue with the project. Both the actor and his agency have repeatedly apologized for the recent incident, and after careful deliberation, both sides have decided to part ways."
With script readings, test filming, and the first shoot delayed, the production is under significant time pressure. This led to much speculation about who would fill the role alongside Im YoonA. With such pressure, the production team decided to cast Lee Chae Min.
Lee Chae Min is a rising star whose popularity has surged through his roles in various dramas. Following 'Crash Course in Romance' in 2023, he landed the lead role in Netflix’s 'Hierarchy' in 2024, and he was also cast in MBC’s 'Bunny and Her Oppas' (2025). His broad appeal among Gen Z viewers has drawn attention, raising excitement for the chemistry he will showcase with Im YoonA in the upcoming drama.
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