*This article contains spoilers
Directed by Jang Tae Yoo, the creative force behind "My Love From the Star", this series adapts Park Guk Jae's web novel. It centers on Yeon Ji Young (YoonA), a skilled chef poised to become head chef at a 3-star Michelin restaurant. A twist of fate sends her to the Joseon dynasty, where she encounters Yi Heon (Lee Chae Min), a king with a refined palate.
To navigate the perilous royal court, Ji Young uses her culinary expertise. Her modern dishes not only impress the discerning king but also help her overcome palace intrigues.
"Bon Appetit, Your Majesty" employs the familiar time-travel trope, portraying a romance that transcends time as the king falls for the 21st-century chef. The series emphasizes the power of food to soothe the soul. Ji Young's creations not only tantalize Yi Heon's taste buds but also evoke memories of his mother. In the first episode, a bibimbap dish with butter and Korean chili paste moves the usually stoic Yi Heon to tears as he remembers his mother.
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Lee Chae Min (right) and YoonA (left) in period costumes. Photo: TvN |
According to Time, the fictional character Yi Heon is inspired by the infamous King Yeonsangun of Joseon. Elements such as the deposition and murder of Yi Heon's mother, and his controversial actions like abducting women and burning homes to create hunting grounds, allude to the king's turbulent reign.
However, Yi Heon isn't portrayed solely as a tyrant. Ji Young's cooking and genuine affection gradually soften his harsh demeanor. This allows their romance to flourish, offering a lighthearted contrast to the intense historical backdrop.
The Korean Times praises the show's culinary focus. The cooking scenes showcase the diversity of Korean cuisine, blending traditional royal dishes with French techniques. The Korea Herald commends the series for its fresh take on the historical drama genre, using royal meals to weave a narrative that seamlessly combines tradition and modernity.
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The food scenes are meticulously filmed. Photo: Netflix |
Korean media and audiences have dubbed the series a 2025 version of "Jewel in the Palace," bringing Joseon-era cuisine to a modern audience. The production team collaborated with traditional culinary experts and top chefs to develop the dishes, showcasing the essence of Korean gastronomy.
Actress Im YoonA has garnered praise for her natural performance as the resourceful and determined chef Yeon Ji Young. On "You Quiz on the Block," she revealed she trained for three months to prepare for the cooking scenes. "I tried to do about 95% of the cooking myself," YoonA added.
Lee Chae Min delivers a compelling performance as the aloof king with a troubled past. According to ChosunBiz, he faced considerable pressure stepping into the lead role just 10 days before filming began, following Park Sung Hoon's unexpected withdrawal from the project.
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Actress YoonA performs complex cooking techniques. Photo: TvN |
YoonA and Lee Chae Min's on-screen chemistry surprised viewers, despite the 10-year age gap. Their first kiss scene in episode 4 boosted nationwide viewership to 11.1%, surpassing all other shows in the same time slot. Since the series premiered in late August, the pair have consistently topped Good Data Corporation's list of most-buzzed-about actors.
According to Nielsen Korea, "Bon Appetit, Your Majesty" has achieved the highest viewership among tvN dramas released this year.
Thu Giang
