This handsome guy is everywhere right now: Lee Chae-min takes on Netflix’s new variety show “Why Do We Climb Mountains?”, and his contrasting charms are totally winning fans over

Lately, it’s hard to open social media without seeing a stream of snow-survival meltdowns. Lee Chae-min, who wore a crisp uniform in “Hierarchy,” now appears with disheveled hair and gasping for air as he pushes himself to the limit in Netflix’s new reality show. Titled “Why Do We Climb Mountains?”, the new variety show throws a group of celebrities with no mountaineering experience into South Korea’s treacherous snow-covered mountains. Watching their raw reactions as they near their breaking point is enough to make you keep watching episode after episode.

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• Related reading: What a fresh four-person lineup: Netflix’s new variety show “Why Do We Climb Mountains?” premieres August 18!

The trek through the snow-covered mountains is no joke

The show brings together witty singer Car, the Garden, DAY6 drummer Dowoon, AllDay Project member Tarzzan, and actor Lee Chae-min. The four mountaineering novices tackle a grueling 10-hour route on Seoraksan, struggling every step of the way. On camera, Lee Chae-min sheds the carefully crafted styling of his drama roles and shows more perseverance than expected. Even in subzero temperatures and on steep slopes, he never asks to stop, encouraging the members whose strength is giving out and building a bond through shared hardship. This unfiltered side of him, unconcerned with maintaining an image, has instead won him a large number of new fans.

From a pure-hearted gifted student to “The Tyrant’s Chef”

Before taking on this grueling reality show, Lee Chae-min was already a highly promising new star in the Korean entertainment industry. In the popular Korean drama “Crash Course in Romance,” he played a gifted student who quietly watched over the female lead, leaving viewers with a deeply affectionate impression. He then transformed into Kang Ha, a character driven by revenge, in the series “Hierarchy.” More recently, the hit series “The Tyrant’s Chef” showed viewers his breakthrough performance beyond the confines of school-set roles. From an inexperienced high school student to a tyrant, he strikes just the right balance between boyishness and manhood, proving that he’s more than just a handsome face.

A great physique behind a boyish face

Viewers also can’t take their eyes off his impeccable looks. At 190 cm tall, Lee Chae-min has enviably broad “Pacific Ocean” shoulders and long legs, while his smile is the classic puppy-like look of a first love. Those natural assets meant he could pull off any look during his two years as a host of “Music Bank.” Even dressed in heavy outdoor gear on this variety show, his exceptional proportions are impossible to hide. The other members keep teasing him: everyone else is struggling up the mountain, drenched in sweat, while he still looks so perfect that he seems to be filming an ad for a sportswear brand.

As “Why Do We Climb Mountains?” continues to air, are you ready to experience the thrill of aching thighs alongside them? Tune in to the first episode tonight and see how this group of guys takes on Korea’s 100 Famous Mountains.

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