What Is the Buzz-Worthy Korean Drama ‘The Tyrant’s Chef’ About?
This drama had already raised expectations even before airing, as it stars Im Yoon-a (Yoona) of Girls’ Generation, who is well known for her strong acting skills. Living up to the hype, it recorded impressive ratings: 4.9% at the beginning of its run, over 12% by episode 6, and a remarkable 17.1% for the final episode!
It also gained global popularity on Netflix, ranking No.1 in the “Non-English TV Shows” category and receiving strong support from international viewers.
What is particularly noteworthy is that, despite not being a Netflix Original but a conventional Korean television drama, it firmly secured a top position in the Netflix rankings. This has been described as an exceptional success for a non-English program.
It also gained global popularity on Netflix, ranking No.1 in the “Non-English TV Shows” category and receiving strong support from international viewers.
What is particularly noteworthy is that, despite not being a Netflix Original but a conventional Korean television drama, it firmly secured a top position in the Netflix rankings. This has been described as an exceptional success for a non-English program.
🎬 Basic Information / Overview
| Category | Details |
| Japanese Title (Provisional) | The Tyrant’s Chef |
| Korean Title | 폭군의 셰프 |
| English Title | Bon Appétit, Your Majesty |
| Network / Streaming | tvN (Korea) / Netflix (Global Streaming) |
| Broadcast Period | August 23 – September 28, 2025 |
| Episodes | 12 episodes (approx. 80 minutes each) |
| Genre | Historical / Fantasy / Romance |
| Original Work | Web novel “Surviving as Yeonsangun’s Chef” by Park Kuk-jae |
| Screenplay | fGRD |
| Director | Jang Tae-yoo |
| Production Companies | Studio Dragon, Film Grida, Jung Universe, etc. |
📖 Synopsis
“The Tyrant’s Chef” is a romance-historical fantasy centered on a modern-day genius chef who time-slips back to the Joseon Dynasty after a mysterious incident and encounters an arrogant king known as a tyrant.
Below is a more detailed breakdown:
Below is a more detailed breakdown:
Time Slip / Setting
Yeon Ji-young, a female chef striving to master French cuisine in the modern era, becomes entangled in a mystery surrounding an ancient book called “Mangungnok” and wanders through time, eventually slipping back to the Joseon Dynasty.
There, she is initially suspected as a “suspicious foreign woman,” but is later summoned to the royal palace.
There, she is initially suspected as a “suspicious foreign woman,” but is later summoned to the royal palace.
The Encounter and Appointment
King Lee Heon of Joseon is reputed to be authoritarian and cold-blooded—a tyrannical ruler. He possesses an absolute sense of taste and judges matters through cuisine.
After tasting Ji-young’s cooking and recognizing her talent, the king appoints her as the Head Royal Chef (Chief of the Royal Kitchen).
After tasting Ji-young’s cooking and recognizing her talent, the king appoints her as the Head Royal Chef (Chief of the Royal Kitchen).
Trials in the Palace and Changing Relationships
The palace is filled with power struggles, rivalries within the royal harem, betrayals, and conspiracies. By blending modern culinary techniques with Joseon-era ingredients, Ji-young gradually builds trust and bonds with those around her.
Meanwhile, as King Lee Heon interacts with Ji-young, he begins to reveal a more complex inner self beyond his cold exterior. Ji-young finds herself not only cooking, but also fighting to survive in the palace and facing choices that may alter the course of history.
The drama’s charm lies in its harmonious blend of cuisine, politics, romance, and fantasy.
Meanwhile, as King Lee Heon interacts with Ji-young, he begins to reveal a more complex inner self beyond his cold exterior. Ji-young finds herself not only cooking, but also fighting to survive in the palace and facing choices that may alter the course of history.
The drama’s charm lies in its harmonious blend of cuisine, politics, romance, and fantasy.
👥 Characters / Cast
Below are the main cast members and their roles:
| Actor | Character | Description |
| Im Yoon-a | Yeon Ji-young | A genius French chef who time-slips from the modern era to Joseon and enters the royal culinary world, captivating the king with her skills. |
| Lee Chae-min | Lee Heon | The King of Joseon. Known as a tyrant, yet blessed with an absolute palate. He gradually changes after meeting Ji-young. |
| Kang Han-na | Kang Mok-ju | A royal consort (sugwon) who possesses both beauty and ambition. She casts a shadow over the relationship between Ji-young and the king. |
| Choi Gwi-hwa | Prince Jaehwan | A royal family member involved in succession disputes and palace conspiracies—a key rival who employs political schemes. |
In addition, the drama features a wide array of familiar K-drama characters, including palace aides, members of the royal harem, and opposing factions.
📚 Original Work, Production Background, and Buzz
Original Work and Production
This drama is based on the web novel “Surviving as Yeonsangun’s Chef.”
Screenwriter fGRD teamed up with director Jang Tae-yoo, whose past successful works (such as “Deep-Rooted Tree” and others) are said to have influenced this production.
The drama was produced primarily by Studio Dragon, along with Film Grida and Jung Universe.
Screenwriter fGRD teamed up with director Jang Tae-yoo, whose past successful works (such as “Deep-Rooted Tree” and others) are said to have influenced this production.
The drama was produced primarily by Studio Dragon, along with Film Grida and Jung Universe.
Also Recommended
Since this drama features a chef who time-slips to the Joseon era and interacts with the king, I would also like to recommend another entertaining drama with a similar premise.
That would be the 2020 series “Mr. Queen”.
It’s a highly enjoyable drama as well!
That would be the 2020 series “Mr. Queen”.
It’s a highly enjoyable drama as well!
