Actor Lee Chaemin Named to Forbes Korea’s 2026 “30 Under 30” List

Actor Lee Chaemin, who made his television debut in 2021 in tvN’s High Class, has steadily expanded his acting career by taking on various roles in a range of series, including tvN’s Crash Course in Romance (2023) and Netflix’s Hierarchy (2024). The year 2025 proved to be a turning point for Lee, as he gained significant public recognition for his performance in Bon Appétit, Your Majesty (2025) and won the Best New Actor Award at the MBC Drama Awards for his role in Crushology 101 (2025).

Behind Lee’s growth lies a foundation of consistent self-discipline. “I believe becoming an actor is a continuous process of self-discipline,” he said. Before his debut, during his time at K-Arts, he focused on improving his articulation through vocal and pronunciation training while analyzing characters in acting classes. Lee also emphasizes the importance of mutual trust and respect on set, values he strives to uphold in every project.

Reflecting on his experience, Lee shared, “When I was cast in a leading role, I worked hard to understand and portray my character in close collaboration with fellow actors and staff.” To enhance the completeness of each production, he makes a conscious effort to communicate openly and listen carefully to those on set. His acting philosophy centers on “connecting with the audience through heartfelt expression,” and he believes that quickly grasping a character’s tone and harmonizing with co-stars are equally essential.

Looking ahead, Lee expressed his ambition to broaden his range. “Based on the experiences I’ve built, I want to take on more challenging roles across different genres,” he said. “Characters with emotional depth or complex narratives intrigue me as they can help expand my acting spectrum. I also aim to grow beyond my current limits and earn recognition in the global entertainment market.”