Lee Chae-min Reflects on Wrapping Up Romantic Youth Drama ‘Bunny and Oppas’
K-drama rising star Lee Chae-min has officially wrapped up his journey in the Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) Friday-Saturday drama ‘Bunny and Oppas‘, showcasing a charming performance as Hwang Jae-yeol, a tsundere-type character hiding a soft heart beneath a cold exterior.
In ‘Bunny and Oppas’, Lee transformed into a charismatic campus heartthrob, playing the head of the Visual Design Department at Yein University. His on-screen chemistry with co-star Noh Jeong-ui, who played Bunny, kept fans hooked—this time, taking their story from enemies to lovers, complete with heart-fluttering moments and a well-earned happy ending.
Aside from his nuanced emotional acting, Lee Chae-min’s impeccable visuals and effortlessly stylish campus looks earned attention both on and off screen. His iconic flirty stares and bold, romantic gestures made not only Bunny weak in the knees but captivated a wide audience across demographics.
In a post-series Q&A released by his agency Gold Medalist, Lee expressed his heartfelt gratitude: “Putting six months of work into a 12-episode series was no small feat. It’s bittersweet. I’ll always cherish this project and thank everyone who showed us love.”
When asked about his character’s charm, Lee noted, “Hwang Jae-yeol’s appeal lies in his subtle yet impactful expression—being cold on the outside but unmistakably warm in action. I prepared intensively to make that duality come through in his gaze and speech.” He also shared his wish to try out Jin Hyun-oh’s mascot disguise scene, praising its unexpected charisma.
Among memorable scenes, Lee highlighted an episode 8 climax where his character kisses Bunny after telling off an ex. “It was intense and I was nervous, but it turned out beautifully,” he shared. Another highlight? A teary farewell scene as Bunny leaves for the US—”I worked closely with the director to nail the emotional tone as I worried if I could pull it off,” Lee said.
Speaking about his on-screen squad—Dongha, Chunsik, and Hodong—Lee noted their real-life camaraderie helped fuel lively improvisations on set. “We synced so well that I learned a lot from them,” he said.
Romantic comedies are Lee’s favorite genre, and he paid special attention to detail during filming. “I discussed eye movement and emotional subtleties with the camera team. While I’m happy with some results, I still see room for growth,” he commented.
For Lee, ‘Bunny and Oppas’ wasn’t just another show—it was a meaningful project full of learning and unforgettable friendships. “It was a turning point,” he emphasized.
Currently, Lee is filming a new tvN drama, ‘The Tyrant’s Chef’, where he plays a genius with an extraordinary palate who can detect taste changes based on weather. “It’s a fresh challenge,” he teased.
To global fans, Lee closed with: “Thank you for your love and support. I’ll keep growing and delivering better performances. Please keep remembering Hwang Jae-yeol and ‘Bunny and Oppas’.”
