Lee Chae Min is the newest heartthrob on the K-drama block, thanks to his rising trajectory in the industry. Having recently starred in Bon Appetit, Your Majesty opposite Yoona, the South Korean actor has scored a bigger fan base than expected.
Even industry insiders are chasing after him in scores, as per new K-media reports, highlighting his commitment to the role of a “tyrant” king, which required him to excel in skills like horse-rising and a lot more in just a month’s span. Having swooped in to save the day after the show’s original male lead got caught in a controversy, winning hearts comes easily for the young actor.
Although Bon Appetit, Your Majesty has granted him a newfound breakout star identity, fans remember him well for his previous performances in Netflix’s Hierarchy, tvN’s Crash Course in Romance, and this year’s Crushology 101. In his mid-20s, Chae Min has only a few years of K-drama filmography under his belt so far, with each performance adding a new star to his career graph.
Fortunately, the Financial Express bagged an exclusive interview with him and his Crushology 101 co-stars, Roh Jeong Eui and Jo Joon Young, shortly after the show’s premiere on Prime Video’s Channel K in India a few months ago.
Crushology 101 cast interview : K-drama reunions
Crushology 101 was not the first time members of the leading trio had paired up with each other. Roh Jeong Eui and Lee Chae Min notably made waves last year when they took on lead roles in Netflix’s Hierarchy. Additionally, the charming actress has even worked alongside Jo Joon Young in the much-delayed drama Dear.M.
Working with a cast of young actors who were around their own age was a pleasant perk for the Crushology 101 stars, who had previously collaborated with notable industry veterans. While each opportunity brings its own set of lessons and experiences, Jo Joon Young couldn’t help but gush about how they all “had a lot of fun with each other” while working “in a relaxed atmosphere.”
Sharing the screen with people they had already worked with in the past undoubtedly helped ease the pressure. Moreover, Lee Chae Min admitted working with those around his age allowed them all to “communicate well, joke around, and laugh a lot.” He further noted, “There were definitely a lot of advantages that came from being comfortable with each other.” At the same time, he didn’t rule out a chance of starring in another drama project with the other two.
“We communicated better because there was less pressure when we gave our opinions, so the scenes came out beautifully. If we have a good opportunity to meet again, I’m looking forward to showing our chemistry in any genre,” Chae Min put it out there.
When asked what was going through her head upon reuniting with her former co-stars, Jeong Eui quipped, “I once joked with Lee Chae-min that if we meet again in the future, we should play the roles of grandparents.”
As for her professional partnership with Jo Joon Young, she noted how they had never “played characters whose love continues across stories.” And so, for her next potential project with the rookie actor, she hoped to follow a similar track if given the chance. “Also, it might be interesting to act as the youngest newcomers together,” she exclaimed.
Jo Joon Young on Crushology 101
Expressing his gratitude for having shared a set with Roh again, he praised the 18 Again actress for “how she made (him) feel comfortable” by taking care of him again, just as she did during their previous project, Dear M.
After having joined forces with Jeong Eui and Lee Chae Min for a coming-of-age romance saga, Jo said he would love to work with his Crushology 101 co-stars in an “action genre, which is the opposite of this drama” if the opportunity arises. “Since you have good chemistry, I’m sure you’ll be able to show us some great action,” he said of his fellow actors, already delighted at the mere thought of the K-drama vision.
As another rising star in the industry, he is a jack of all trades. Although he’s dabbled in singing and performance through his previous works and connections with the K-pop giant SM Entertainment, acting remains his main focus. Hot on the heels of Crushology 101’s fame, Jo earned an opportunity to throw the first pitch at a KBO League game.
Highlighting his wide array of experiences, he told us, “These diverse experiences always help me a lot with my acting. What excites and motivates me most is that being an actor and preparing for roles gives me many opportunities to learn new things, and I’m very grateful for that.”
Roh Jeong Eui is already a prominent K-drama talent
At just 24, Roh has been working non-stop for the past few years. She’s already starred in two K-dramas – Crushology 101 and The Witch – this year alone, and has even been cast to headline upcoming shows Pigpen and Our Universe.
In our conversation, she attributed her growth to all the projects she’s been a part of so far. “Each one is very precious to me, and I feel a great sense of fulfilment and gratitude,” she added. As for what she’s learnt along the way, Jeong Eui said, “No matter what job you have or where you live, the joys and sorrows of love are all the same. I’ve learned that everyone is truly precious.”
The Hierarchy actress humbly acknowledged that she still had a long way to go and a lot to improve on, while she hoped to learn the best from her seniors. Noting that there were many things she still hadn’t tried, she opened up about her interest in experiencing more romantic comedies, while also trying her hand at thrillers.