Rising actor Lee Chae Min has been confirmed as the new male lead opposite Girls’ Generation’s YoonA in the highly-anticipated tvN drama The Tyrant’s Chef.

An industry insider shared with Sports Chosun on January 13, “Lee Chae Min has received the offer to play the lead role in tvN’s new drama *The Tyrant’s Chef* and is currently reviewing it positively.”

The drama tells the story of a French chef who unexpectedly travels through time and encounters a tyrannical yet food-loving king.

Set across 500 years, this fantasy romance promises a mix of survival, history, and heartwarming moments. The show will be directed by Jang Tae Yoo, known for hit projects like My Love From the Star and The Flower That Blooms at Night.

The production faced a big shake-up after Park Sung Hoon, originally cast as the male lead, stepped down following backlash over an inappropriate image he accidentally posted on his personal account.

On November 11, the production team announced, “After extensive discussions with Park Sung Hoon, it has been decided that he will no longer participate in the project. Both Park Sung Hoon and his agency have expressed their apologies regarding the incident.”

The unexpected delay forced the team to postpone script readings, test shoots, and filming schedules. With the pressure mounting, Lee Chae Min’s casting comes as a relief to the production team and fans alike.

Lee Chae Min has been steadily rising in popularity, capturing attention with his roles in Crash Course in Romance, Netflix’s Hierarchy, and MBC’s Bunny and Her Brothers.

Known for his fresh charm and growing acting skills, Lee Chae Min has become a favorite among younger audiences, especially within the MZ generation.

Fans are already buzzing about the chemistry he might share with YoonA, who has proven her acting talent in hits like Big Mouth and King the Land.

With Lee Chae Min stepping in as the new lead, excitement for The Tyrant’s Chef is back on track. Stay tuned for updates as filming resumes, and fans eagerly await this unique time-travel romance!

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IU has once again warmed hearts with her sweet and caring nature — this time by personally helping young actress Kim Tae Yeon get ready for her very first awards show.

The two actresses both played the same character, Ae Soon, in different stages of life in the Netflix drama "When Life Gives You Tangerines". IU played the adult version while Kim Tae Yeon touched viewers with her emotional performance as young Ae Soon.

Even though Kim Tae Yeon doesn’t have an agency yet, IU made sure the young star wouldn’t be alone. According to insiders, IU personally visited a dress shop with Kim Tae Yeon to help her pick out a beautiful outfit. She even helped with hair and makeup plans, making sure Tae Yeon could shine at the upcoming 61st Baeksang Arts Awards, where both actresses are nominated.

Kim Tae Yeon’s mom posted about the moment on Instagram, saying:

“Tae Yeon met IU unnie and told me to say thank you. Words aren’t enough to express how grateful we are. We were so surprised by her unexpected visit, and her thoughtful care truly touched our hearts. Thank you again to IU for the gift.”

The post also showed a happy Kim Tae Yeon holding IU’s present and choosing a dress — a moment that melted fans’ hearts.

IU is well-known in the industry for her generosity and kindness. While filming "You Have Done Well", she reportedly gave thoughtful gifts and created a warm, friendly vibe on set for everyone, from co-stars to staff.

The drama itself became a big hit, earning praise both in Korea and overseas. IU, Park Bo Gum, Yeom Hye Ran, Choi Dae Hoon, and Kim Tae Yeon all received Baeksang nominations — a huge achievement, especially for the young star.

Kim Tae Yeon, born in 2011, has been acting since she was little and appeared in dramas like Crash Landing on You, A Dog’s Love Today, and Gyeongseong Creature. But her powerful acting in "When Life Gives You Tangerines" truly made people cry, smile, and remember her name.

IU didn’t stop at helping Kim Tae Yeon. She also invited fellow cast members Moon So Ri, Park Hae Joon, Ahn Tae Rin, and more to her concert, sending them gifts to show her love and support.

In an earlier interview, IU talked about giving gifts to so many people. She humbly said,

“As I do more projects, there are more people I’m thankful for, but it’s not as hard as people think. I just hope the people receiving the gifts feel happy.”

Talking about the drama, she added,

“It was such a grand project. Just being part of it was a blessing. It made me think, ‘Ji Eun, you really experienced something amazing.’ I’m grateful I could work with such great people.”

Once again, IU has proved she’s not just a talented singer and actress — she’s also a true “Good Deed Queen.”

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