Rising actor Lee Chae-min has officially chosen his next project.
Following the momentum of his recent success, Lee will headline the upcoming drama adaptation of the popular webtoon I Decided to Die, continuing his steady climb as one of the industry’s fastest-rising young leads.
Taking on the Role of Cha Gyeol
According to reports on February 12, Lee has confirmed his casting as Cha Gyeol, the male lead in I Decided to Die, directed by Kim Hee-won.
The series, based on a widely read webtoon, tells the story of Ji-oh, a high school senior preparing for the national taekwondo team trials, and Cha Gyeol, a mysterious figure whose appearance changes the course of her life. Blending romance with elements of time reversal, the drama is expected to appeal to viewers drawn to emotionally layered storytelling.
The original webtoon gained strong popularity during its run, particularly for its nuanced portrayal of the two main characters’ emotional journeys.
Continuing the Momentum After a Breakout Year
Lee Chae-min’s new casting follows his performance in The Tyrant’s Chef, where he portrayed Yeon Hee-gun Lee Heon, a ruler known for his extraordinary sense of taste.
The drama reached a peak viewership rating of 17.1 percent, significantly raising his public profile. His performance earned him the Best New Actor award at the 11th APAN Star Awards and recognition at the 2026 CJ ENM Visionary Awards.
By quickly confirming his next leading role, Lee signals that his breakout moment was only the beginning.
Strengthening His Position as a Leading Actor
Since debuting in 2021 through tvN’s High Class, Lee has steadily expanded his résumé with roles in Crash Course in Romance, See You in My 19th Life, Hierarchy, and Bunny and Her Boys.
With I Decided to Die, he steps into another high-profile adaptation with an established fan base, a move that could further solidify his standing among the new generation of Korean drama leads.
As anticipation builds around the project, attention now turns to how Lee Chae-min will interpret Cha Gyeol and whether this role will become his next defining performance.