Bon Appétit, Your Majesty is gaining momentum as the drama potentially inches toward becoming tvN’s first series of 2025 to break the 20% ratings mark, fueled by a mix of K-food appeal, layered storytelling, and Yoona’s standout performance.
The drama follows modern-day chef Yeon Ji Young (played by Girls’ Generation’s Yoona), who time-slips into the Joseon era and encounters a tyrant (Lee Chae Min) blessed with a rare palate. While time-travel concepts are common in K-dramas, Bon Appétit, Your Majesty sets itself apart by blending traditional and modern cuisine, complete with exaggerated reactions, flashy CG, and comedic mispronunciations of foreign words that elevate its entertainment factor.
Episode 8 reached a 15.4% viewership rating, overtaking Vincenzo and securing a spot in tvN’s all-time top 10 dramas. Starting at just 4.9% with episode 1, the show has maintained a steady upward trend and is now topping Netflix’s Global TV Shows chart, signaling strong international interest.
Critics highlight the drama’s ability to capture the global K-content wave by channeling food culture, reminiscent of how Jewel in the Palace sparked the first K-food craze two decades ago. Forbes even called food “the real protagonist” of the series, while The New York Times praised it as “a romantic comedy that mixes genres but speaks the universal language of food.”
At the center of the hype is Yoona, who has cemented her reputation not only as a Girls’ Generation member but also as a credible actress through hits like Confidential Assignment, Exit, and Pretty Crazy. She reportedly trained for three months at a cooking academy and worked with professional chefs, personally performing 95% of her cooking scenes without a stand-in, which boosted immersion and authenticity. Her efforts have paid off, as she has topped Good Data Corporation’s drama buzzworthy actor rankings for three consecutive weeks.
The layered, step-by-step narrative also plays a key role in building suspense. Starting from winning the tyrant’s favor with a simple bibimbap, Ji Young gradually overcomes powerful figures—from officials and court ladies to Ming dynasty envoys—through food. With episode 9 teasing a high-stakes cooking battle tied to Joseon’s fate and Ji Young’s looming abduction, anticipation is at an all-time high.
With K-food’s global allure, Yoona’s star presence, and a gripping narrative structure, Bon Appétit, Your Majesty is being hailed as a perfect storm for success. The big question now is whether it can follow in the footsteps of Queen of Tears and officially surpass the coveted 20% mark.
Sources: naver
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