Bon Appétit, Your Majesty – Korea’s Newest K-Drama Obsession
- Melissa Edwards-Whittington
- Sep 17
- 9 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Bon Appétit Your Majesty K-Drama: A Feast Fit for a King
Imagine, if you will, a modern-day chef, trained in French cuisine, and living her best life in Seoul. She embarks on a trip to visit with her father and suddenly finds herself thrown back into the Joseon Dynasty. One minute, she’s plating fine dining, the next, she’s surrounded by skeptical nobles, endless court rituals, and a king whose reputation leans more toward “ruthless tyrant” than fairy tale prince.
Her survival kit? Not weapons or power plays, but her quick wit, fearless determination, and dishes so mouthwatering they might just melt even the iciest royal heart.
This is the premise of the Bon Appétit, Your Majesty (폭군의 셰프) K-Drama that currently has everyone talking. It’s already claimed the crown as the most-watched streaming series of 2025, airing on tvN here in Korea and streaming worldwide on Netflix. And honestly? It’s proof once again that Hallyu storytelling knows how to hook us, whether it’s with food, fantasy, or just really, really good drama.
Want a first look? Watch the Bon Appétit Your Majesty K-Drama trailer on YouTube to see the palace intrigue and food magic unfold.
Bon Appétit Your Majesty K-Drama Storyline & Cast (YoonA, Lee Chae-min)
Based on the web novel "Surviving as Yeonsangun’s Chef" by Park Guk-jae, the drama seamlessly blends history, fantasy, comedy, and romance in a way that feels both fresh and familiar.
The Heroine: Yeon Ji-yeong (played by YoonA of Girls’ Generation) is a modern chef with big dreams and culinary skills that win her international acclaim. After a big competition, she wakes up in the Joseon Dynasty.
The King: Yi Heon (Lee Chae-min) rules with a reputation for being cold and merciless—until Ji-yeong’s cooking begins to break down his walls.
The Conflict: Stuck in a time not her own, Ji-yeong has to navigate palace intrigue, survive jealous rivals, and prove herself using the only language she knows best: food.
Director Jang Tae-yoo (My Love From the Star, Lovers of the Red Sky) brings his signature touch, with dishes designed by culinary experts that look so good you’ll be pausing your screen to take it in.
If you’d like to hear directly from YoonA, Lee Chae-min, and director Jang Tae-yoo about bringing this story to life, check out the press conference video on YouTube.
Why Bon Appétit Your Majesty Is 2025’s Must-Watch K-Drama
The Bon Appétit Your Majesty K-Drama has quickly proven itself to be 2025’s must-watch series, and it’s easy to see why. From its inventive use of food as a storytelling device to the undeniable chemistry between YoonA and Lee Chae-min, every element works together to create a drama that’s both visually stunning and emotionally satisfying. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this series such a standout.
Food as Storytelling in K-Dramas
Food has always been a love language in K-dramas, but here it takes center stage. Each meal becomes a lifeline, a message, and a bridge between two worlds. It’s not just about surviving, it’s about connecting.
YoonA and Lee Chae-min’s On-Screen Chemistry
YoonA is no stranger to the spotlight, but she shines in this role with the kind of grounded charm that makes you believe she really is a chef. Lee Chae-min, meanwhile, plays the perfect foil, the icy king whose heart begins to thaw one bite at a time. Together? They spark a chemistry that fans can’t stop buzzing about.
A Visual Feast: Joseon Palaces & Food Scenes
Honestly, the visuals are stunning, from the elaborate palace settings to the vibrant Joseon costumes. But the food shots are what make this drama feel like you are watching history's tastiest cooking show. The steaming dishes and colorful plates make you want to dive into the screen to get a bite.
All of these elements, the powerful role of food, the sparks between YoonA and Lee Chae-min, and the lush Joseon-era visuals, blend seamlessly to make the C a standout in 2025. It isn’t just another period drama; it’s a series that feeds both the eyes and the heart, leaving viewers hungry for more each week. It has also helped fuel the drama’s growing popularity with viewers at home and abroad
Bon Appétit Your Majesty Ratings, Reviews & Global Netflix Success
When it first aired, the numbers were good but not jaw-dropping. Then word of mouth kicked in. Ratings climbed from a 4.9% debut to a 14.5% peak by Episode 6, making it tvN’s highest-rated drama of 2025.
On Netflix, the show quickly rose to the number one spot in global non-English series rankings, demonstrating just how much this story resonates far beyond Korea. For international fans, Netflix offers both English subtitles and English voice-overs. Subtitles tend to give you the most accurate feel for the script, while the voice-overs are great if you’d rather relax without reading along, just know they don’t always capture the dialogue as closely as the subtitles.
And let’s be honest, when TikTokers are recreating recipes from your drama? That’s when you know you’ve truly made it.
Bon Appétit Your Majesty Controversies & Fan Reactions
Like any big hit, it hasn’t been without its bumps. An early episode featured the incorrect use of Chinese characters, sparking debates about historical accuracy. To their credit, the production team owned it, fixed it, and moved on.
Some chatter also popped up about the age gap between the leads. But fans? They seem mostly sold on the emotional depth and genuine spark between YoonA and Lee Chae-min. If anything, the discussions have only kept the drama in the spotlight.
Why I Love Joseon Dynasty K-Dramas (From Dae Jang Geum to Today)
I’ll admit it, I have a soft spot for Joseon-era dramas, and it all started with Dae Jang Geum (대장금), also known as Jewel in the Palace. Back in 2003, I was completely drawn into the story of Jang-geum, an orphan who becomes the first female royal physician of the Joseon Dynasty. It was a show about grit, resilience, and the power of food, and it left its mark on me. To this day, it remains one of my all-time favorites.
You can even walk through that world today. Dae Jang Geum Park in Yongin (대장금 파크) is still a popular filming site for historical dramas, and visiting it feels like stepping onto the set of every palace K-drama you’ve ever loved.
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Yongin Dae Jang Geum Park
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In our house, the Joseon era remains a favorite backdrop. We’ve laughed through the gender-bending comedy of Mister Queen (철인왕후), held our breath with the fantasy battles of Alchemy of Souls (환혼), and binged every tense moment of Kingdom (킹덤). More recently, The Tale of Lady Ok (옥씨부인전) and Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung (신입사관 구해령) reminded us why palace life stories never get old. Many of these can be found on Netflix currently.
There is just something about the rituals, costumes, and court intrigue that always draws me back. And now, Bon Appétit, Your Majesty adds a brand-new flavor to that timeless recipe. The way it showcases food even reminds me of one of my favorite Japanese animes.
One of our household favorites has always been Food Wars!: Shokugeki no Soma. In that series, every eating scene becomes an event—sometimes evoking nostalgic memories, and at other times exploding into an over-the-top portrayal of flavor so vivid thatyou can practically taste it. Bon Appétit, Your Majesty pulls off something very similar, making each meal not just a visual treat but an emotional experience.
Bon Appétit, Your Majesty has that mix of history, fantasy, and sensory storytelling that has clearly struck a chord with audiences, because the ratings have been just as satisfying as the food. Since much of this drama’s charm comes from its palace backdrop, it’s worth taking a quick look at the history that inspires it.
The Joseon Dynasty Explained: History Behind K-Dramas
For those new to Korean history, the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897) lasted over 500 years, making it Korea’s longest-ruling dynasty. It was the birthplace of much of what we think of as “traditional Korea,” from Confucian values to art, science, and even the creation of Hangul, the Korean alphabet, by King Sejong.
When you watch a K-drama filled with kings, queens, scholars, and palace officials, chances are it’s drawing inspiration from this era. That’s why the Joseon backdrop feels both rich and familiar—it’s history infused with drama.
5 Reasons to Watch Bon Appétit Your Majesty on Netflix
Still not sure if this one’s worth adding to your watchlist? Here are five reasons I think it is:
It flips palace drama tropes with a fresh time-travel twist.
The romance feels genuine—and the chemistry is undeniable.
The food scenes are irresistible (seriously, don’t watch hungry).
The visuals are stunning—featuring palaces, elaborate costumes, and a wealth of production value.
It’s the drama defining 2025’s Hallyu wave—and you don’t want to miss being part of that conversation.
Bon Appétit Your Majesty and the Power of Hallyu in 2025
At its heart, Bon Appétit, Your Majesty is more than just another K-drama. It’s a cultural feast, a mix of fantasy, history, and gastronomy that captures why so many of us fell in love with Korean storytelling in the first place.
For me, it brought back that same joy I first felt with Dae Jang Geum. It reminded me why palace dramas always tug me in. I just love the intrigue, the costumes, the human connections that transcend time.
So whether you’re here for the love story, the culinary battles, or just some good palace drama, this is one series that deserves a spot on your watchlist.
What about you? Are you watching Bon Appétit, Your Majesty? Drop your favorite moments in the comments, I’d love to hear what scenes hooked you!
Resources: Bon Appétit Your Majesty, Joseon Travel & K-Dramas
Want to dive deeper? Here are some places (and stories) to check out next, for behind the scenes details, travel inspiration, and more Joseon-era magic:
Official Show Source: Bon Appétit, Your Majesty – tvN — for episode guides, official photos, cast bios, and Korean-language updates straight from the source.
Travel Meets Tradition: Discover Jeonju Hanok Village – Korea’s Cultural Escape into Tradition, Food, and History — want that old-world feel? This village motivates all palace and traditional food lovers.
Korean Cinema: United on the RoK’s Take on Korean Cinema — for movie-lovers interested in how dramas like Bon Appétit, Your Majesty fit into the bigger picture of film and storytelling in Korea.
The Art & Influence of Gisaeng: Gisaeng: A Group of Artists Who Preserved the Art of the Joseon Dynasty — perfect if you want to understand more about the culture, performance, aesthetics, etiquette that shows like this draw from.
K-Drama Lists & Recommendations:
South of Seoul: Korea’s Top K-Dramas — a “must-see” list if you want to expand your watchlist.
More K-Dramas to Watch for 2024 — though it’s from last year, some gems still shine and connect with today’s themes.
Filming Locations & Drama Travel:
Open Drama Sets Across South Korea — for those who like to walk the sets behind their favorite dramas.
Dramas and the Filming Locations in Pyeongtaek, South Korea — local flavor, behind the scenes.
Cast & Filming Locations for Bon Appétit, Your Majesty (Lynntop) — see where the drama was shot, meet the cast, and explore the backdrop behind your favorite scenes.
Deep Dives & Journalism:
How ‘Bon Appétit, Your Majesty’ Created a K-Food Craze — fascinating look at how the show is influencing food trends. The Korea Times
The Real History Behind ‘Bon Appétit, Your Majesty’ (Time) — for history buffs wanting to know how much of the show lines up with real Joseon facts.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bon Appétit, Your Majesty K-Drama
Q1: Where can I watch Bon Appétit, Your Majesty K-Drama?
You can watch the series on tvN in Korea and globally on Netflix, which offers both English subtitles and English voice-overs.
Q2: What is Bon Appétit, Your Majesty about?
The drama follows a modern French-trained chef who is suddenly transported back to the Joseon Dynasty. To survive palace intrigue, she uses her culinary skills to win over the king—turning food into a bridge between two worlds.
Q3: Is Bon Appétit, Your Majesty K-Drama based on a true story?
No, the drama is based on the web novel Surviving as Yeonsangun’s Chef by Park Guk-jae. While the Joseon Dynasty setting is real, the story itself is a blend of history, fantasy, and romance.
Q4: Why does food play such an important role in Bon Appétit, Your Majesty K-Drama?
Food is more than just a backdrop—it’s the main storytelling device. Meals connect characters emotionally, trigger memories, and even drive the romance forward. It’s part of what makes the show so unique compared to other historical dramas.
Q5: Why are so many K-dramas set in the Joseon Dynasty?
The Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897) is a rich period of Korean history full of tradition, politics, and cultural milestones. Its royal palaces, Confucian values, and dramatic court life provide the perfect setting for stories of intrigue, love, and resilience—making it a favorite for K-dramas like Bon Appétit, Your Majesty.
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