Episode 5 picks up right after the awkward drunken kiss between King Yi-Heon and Ji-young. Still flustered, Ji-young channels her frustration into the kitchen, preparing hangover soup for the king. At first, Yi-Heon pretends not to remember the kiss, but the guilt on his face reveals otherwise.
Meanwhile, palace intrigue intensifies. Gong-gil discovers a hairpin connected to Chu-wol, which stirs up painful memories of his sister’s suspicious death. Consort Kang continues scheming, while foreign tensions rise with the Ming envoy making harsh demands that Yi-Heon resists.
Under immense stress, the king retreats into isolation, refusing food and shutting everyone out — yet his thoughts keep drifting back to Ji-young.
The culinary highlight of this episode is Ji-young’s inventive “Snowflake Schnitzel,” a foreign-inspired dish that surprises everyone at court. Her cooking once again sets her apart, winning Yi-Heon’s admiration and even catching Prince Jesan’s attention. In a small but meaningful gesture, the king gifts Ji-young the handbag she had quietly desired, signaling his growing affection.
The episode closes with a dramatic cliffhanger: as Yi-Heon collapses, Ji-young rushes to steady him, only for them to fall together — leaving the air charged with unspoken feelings.
Review:
Romance & Politics Interwoven: Episode 5 strikes a better balance between the lighthearted food-romance angle and the heavier palace politics. The story feels more layered and compelling.
Growth in Character Arcs: Ji-young shines not only as a gifted cook but also as someone who makes ethical choices, prioritizing fresh ingredients over lavish gifts. Yi-Heon is portrayed as vulnerable, torn between his royal duties and his personal feelings.
Food as Symbolism: The “Snowflake Schnitzel” isn’t just a dish — it represents Ji-young’s creativity, her ability to bridge cultures, and her rising influence in the palace.
Intrigue That Hooks: From mysterious hairpins to consort rivalries and envoy demands, the episode plants seeds of betrayal and danger that promise higher stakes in the coming episodes.
The ending hints at a turning point in Yi-Heon and Ji-young’s relationship, but their romance will face obstacles from politics, jealous rivals, and the looming shadow of fate. Gong-gil’s discovery suggests deeper mysteries will soon come to light. And with international tensions at play, Ji-young’s cooking may become more than just comfort food — it could be the key to diplomacy.
Episode 5 is one of the strongest installments yet, delivering heartfelt romance, clever food symbolism, and enough palace intrigue to keep viewers hooked. It leans on some classic tropes, but the chemistry between the leads and the flavorful storytelling make it thoroughly binge-worthy.
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