Despite early controversies, tvN’s fantasy romance-comedy Bon Appétit, Your Majesty is proving unstoppable, dominating both domestic ratings and global streaming charts.
The drama, based on the popular web novel Surviving as Yeonsan-gun’s Chef, follows Michelin three-star chef Yeon Ji Young (Yoona), who time-slips into the past and encounters a tyrannical king with a perfect palate, Yi Heon (Lee Chae Min). Directed by Jang Tae Yoo (Deep Rooted Tree, My Love From the Star), the series blends food, history, and romance into a unique survival love story.
Rising Ratings and Global Popularity
Premiering on August 23, the drama surged to the top within two episodes, recording 8.6% nationwide ratings (Nielsen Korea) and surpassing competing dramas led by Lee Jin Wook and Ma Dong Seok. By its sixth episode, ratings continued to climb, hitting 15.1% in the Seoul metropolitan area and securing first place across all weekend time slots.
On the global stage, the response has been explosive. As of September 10, the series ranked #2 in Netflix’s Global Non-English TV Shows, staying in the Top 10 for three consecutive weeks and topping charts in 44 regions, including Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, and Vietnam. It even broke into the U.S. Top 10, peaking at No.4—one of the highest ranks for a 2025 K-drama.
Comparisons to Jewel in the Palace
The show has already earned the nickname “the 2025 Jewel in the Palace.” The 2003 MBC drama Jewel in the Palace famously reached 57.8% viewership and became a cultural phenomenon for its depiction of Korean royal cuisine. Similarly, Bon Appétit, Your Majesty captivates audiences with elaborate dishes, fusion cooking techniques, and detailed reactions to flavor.
Even Forbes praised the series, writing: “While Yoona and Lee Chae Min display sweet chemistry, the true star of this drama may be the beautifully crafted dishes. Not since Jewel in the Palace has a K-drama so devotedly captured the art of satisfying a royal palate.”
Strong Cast and Chemistry
Beyond the food, the cast’s performances are winning acclaim. Yoona’s transformation into a determined chef and Lee Chae Min’s portrayal of a demanding yet charismatic king have been highlighted as key to the drama’s appeal. Their chemistry has made the show one of tvN’s most buzzworthy titles of the year.
According to Good Data Corporation’s FUNdex, Bon Appétit, Your Majesty topped drama buzz rankings for three consecutive weeks, with both Yoona and Lee Chae Min ranking No.1 in actor buzzworthiness.
With its blend of romance, comedy, palace intrigue, and culinary artistry, Bon Appétit, Your Majesty continues to build momentum. Viewers can catch new episodes every Saturday and Sunday at 9:10 p.m. KST on tvN, with global streaming available via Netflix.
Sources: Daum
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