The Korean drama Bon Appétit, Your Majesty premiered with a flavorful first episode that blends rom-com charm, sageuk intrigue, and mouthwatering culinary magic. The story begins with Yeon Ji-yeong, a Michelin-level chef from 2025, who suddenly finds herself in the Joseon era. When she’s dragged before King Lee Yi-heon, a ruler feared as much as he is admired, her survival hinges on one skill—her ability to cook. Instead of accepting her fate, Ji-yeong proposes a daring challenge: she’ll prepare a dish so irresistible that even the king can’t turn away.
The episode captures attention with a feast-for-the-eyes sequence, where Ji-yeong introduces modern techniques to a traditional royal table. From sizzling flames to the delicate arrangement of a bibimbap dish infused with bold flavors, food becomes both the battlefield and the bridge between two clashing worlds. Lim Yoon-a delivers Ji-yeong with charm, resilience, and wit, while Lee Chae-min’s king radiates authority with sharp undertones of curiosity. Their dynamic starts as a tense standoff but simmers with hints of deeper chemistry.
Lim Yoona and Lee chemin @CJnDrama
Cast and Characters
At the heart of the story is Lim Yoon-a as Yeon Ji-yeong, a modern-day Michelin chef who suddenly lands in the Joseon era. She’s bold, witty, and unafraid to challenge tradition, using her culinary skills as her shield in a dangerous new world. Opposite her is Lee Chae-min as King Lee Yi-heon, a feared yet fascinating ruler whose refined palate makes him both a harsh critic and an unexpected partner in Ji-yeong’s survival. Their dynamic is tense, fiery, and brimming with the promise of romance.
Kang Han-na plays the elegant and intelligent court lady who becomes entangled in both palace politics and the unfolding bond between the chef and the king, adding a sharp edge of rivalry and intrigue. Choi Gwi-hwa embodies a powerful minister whose loyalty to the king and suspicion of outsiders sets up conflict with Ji-yeong’s presence in the palace. The supporting cast includes royal chefs, advisors, and palace staff who bring humor, tension, and authenticity to the Joseon court.
Together, the ensemble creates a layered story where every character has a stake in the royal kitchen, making the drama not just about food and romance but also about power, loyalty, and survival.
Visually, the drama is stunning. Director Jang Tae-yoo uses rich colors, close-up shots of culinary artistry, and a fast-paced rhythm that keeps the premiere fresh. The playful humor of Ji-yeong clashing with palace traditions is balanced with real stakes—her life is quite literally on the line. Supporting cast members like Kang Han-na and Choi Gwi-hwa help establish the brewing palace politics that will inevitably complicate Ji-yeong’s journey.
Episode 1 sets the tone for a delicious enemies-to-lovers time-slip drama with a twist: every dish is tied to destiny. It’s the kind of premiere that leaves you hungry for more, proving that taste can be as powerful as politics. For fans of food-centered storytelling, romantic tension, and historical drama with a modern kick, this opening chapter is a perfect recipe.
Where to Watch
Bon Appétit, Your Majesty made its grand premiere on August 23, 2025, airing at 9:10 PM KST in South Korea. International fans can watch it exclusively on Netflix, where new episodes drop with subtitles shortly after broadcast. With its weekly release schedule, viewers can look forward to savoring each new chapter as Ji-yeong continues her culinary survival in the Joseon palace.