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In just a few weeks, Bon Appétit, Your Majesty from television curiosity to real phenomenon. Driven by an audacious idea combining gastronomy, romance and time travel, this drama broadcast on tvN and Netflix is experiencing a meteoric rise... and is bringing out a new face that can't be ignored : Lee Chae-min.
A royal recipe that appeals to the public
The pitch is surprisingly simple: a starred chef, destined for Joseon, finds herself the appointed chef to an authoritarian... but gourmet king. This unlikely pairing gives rise to an intriguing mix of war of palaces, culinary competitions worthy of a gastronomic contestand increasingly intense romantic tensions.
This mix of genres worked perfectly: the drama quickly won over Korean audiences, with a steadily growing audiencefrom 4.9 % during first episode à 15.4 % for the 8th broadcast on September 14a record for a mini-series in 2025, on a par with the finale of the highly watched Treasure Island (SBS). Each week, Bon Appétit, Your Majesty dominates its time slot.
An international success story
Its success extends beyond South Korea's borders: according to Netflix, the drama is in the Top 10 worldwide (non-English-speaking)present in 73 countries and first in 8 of them. A rarity for an ongoing series, Bon Appétit, Your Majesty demonstrates that the combination of original storytelling, polished visuals and a committed cast can captivate a global audience.
Its popularity is also due to its elegant direction, by Jang Tae-yoo (My Love from the Star, Painter of the Wind), and a spellbinding soundtrack that accompanies every dish, every glance exchanged, every dramatic twist.
Lee Chae-min, the unexpected revelation
At the heart of this success, one name is often mentioned: Lee Chae-min. Initially unscheduled for the role of King Yi Heon, he was called in urgently after the withdrawal of Park Sung-hoonovershadowed by controversy. Visit only a month's preparationLee Chae-min took on the role with a confidence that astonished critics and delighted fans.
His portrayal of the King (at once inflexible and deeply human) contributed to the popularity of the series. Rated n°1 in drama actor reputation in September by the Korean Business Research Institute, it confirms that it is no longer a mere hope, but a reality. rising star of the K-drama scene.
And we love him in this role too! His facial expressions, his laughter, his emotions, sometimes to the point of tears, make him a not-so-tyrannical, but endearing king.
Unfaltering momentum
With 4 episodes remaining of the 12 planned, the drama has yet to reach its peak. Fans are eagerly awaiting the romance developmentsthe historical revelationsand, of course, the new royal kitchen scenes that give this series its unique charm.
If the crown of most-watched drama of the year is still up for grabs, Bon Appétit, Your Majesty is clearly in the running. And its impact, both on the industry and on the careers of its actors, is likely to last well beyond its broadcast.
A tasty drama on every level. Have you tried this Korean nugget?
