This review may contain spoilers
When Culinary Passion Transcends History and Romance…
“Bon Appétit, Your Majesty" is a rare gem that manages to captivate, move, and comfort viewers in just a few episodes. It feels like a mini-drama but carries the heart, depth, and quality of a full-length series.
The story follows Yeon Ji-yeong, a talented modern chef specializing in French cuisine, who wins a prestigious competition only to be mysteriously transported back to the Joseon era. There, she is thrust into an unfamiliar world and quickly comes face to face with Yi Heon, a feared, perfectionist, and enigmatic king. She becomes his personal chef, tasked with satisfying his demanding palate by blending traditional Korean flavors with modern techniques.
This reversal of the usual trope (not a king transported to the present, but a modern woman in the past) is a total success. The contrast between Ji-yeong and the rigid, codified, and sometimes dangerous royal court leads to moments both funny and heartfelt. This is more than just a romance it’s a story of adaptation, gentle resistance, culinary passion, and the meeting of two lonely souls.
One of the drama’s greatest strengths is **Lee Chae Min’s incredible acting** as King Yi Heon. He perfectly embodies a ruler who is at once cold and fascinating, gradually softened by Ji-yeong’s tenderness, honesty, and humanity. He moves seamlessly between dramatic intensity, contained vulnerability, and subtle comedic moments. His on-screen presence is magnetic every glance and silence counts. This is undoubtedly one of his most memorable roles to date and probably one of the best male performances of 2025.
Opposite him, the lead actress (Yoona) delivers an equally convincing performance. She is radiant, authentic, naturally funny without overdoing it, and her love for cooking shines through every gesture. Together, they form a strong, endearing, and deeply human duo. Their relationship develops slowly, filled with unspoken words, meaningful looks, and subtle gestures never forced or clichéd.
Visually, the drama is stunning. The Joseon-era sets are magnificent, the costumes refined, and the lighting carefully crafted. But what really makes you hungry is the presentation of the food. Each episode is a visual feast. The textures, colors, and cooking sounds are filmed with genuine love for gastronomy. Food becomes a language of its own between the characters a means of expression, survival, emotion, and love.
And then there’s the OST Doyoung (NCT) delivers a simply breathtaking song. His voice, soft and sincere, perfectly accompanies the drama’s most emotional moments. It acts as an emotional thread throughout the episodes. The soundtrack lingers long after the series ends, like a bittersweet memory you never want to forget.
*Bon Appétit, Your Majesty* doesn’t aim for spectacle, but it hits all the right notes. It talks about simple yet essential things the need to be seen, understood, loved… and well-fed. It’s comforting without being naive, romantic without being predictable, and funny without ever becoming ridiculous.
This drama skillfully combines fantasy, slice-of-life, historical romance, and gastronomy with remarkable fluidity.
Honestly, it’s arguably one of the best K-Dramas of 2025. It has everything a well-crafted story, a perfect cast, meticulous direction, a beautiful soundtrack, and above all… soul.
Thank you and goodbye, “Bon Appétit, Your Majesty."
You will definitely be missed. 🫶🏻
The story follows Yeon Ji-yeong, a talented modern chef specializing in French cuisine, who wins a prestigious competition only to be mysteriously transported back to the Joseon era. There, she is thrust into an unfamiliar world and quickly comes face to face with Yi Heon, a feared, perfectionist, and enigmatic king. She becomes his personal chef, tasked with satisfying his demanding palate by blending traditional Korean flavors with modern techniques.
This reversal of the usual trope (not a king transported to the present, but a modern woman in the past) is a total success. The contrast between Ji-yeong and the rigid, codified, and sometimes dangerous royal court leads to moments both funny and heartfelt. This is more than just a romance it’s a story of adaptation, gentle resistance, culinary passion, and the meeting of two lonely souls.
One of the drama’s greatest strengths is **Lee Chae Min’s incredible acting** as King Yi Heon. He perfectly embodies a ruler who is at once cold and fascinating, gradually softened by Ji-yeong’s tenderness, honesty, and humanity. He moves seamlessly between dramatic intensity, contained vulnerability, and subtle comedic moments. His on-screen presence is magnetic every glance and silence counts. This is undoubtedly one of his most memorable roles to date and probably one of the best male performances of 2025.
Opposite him, the lead actress (Yoona) delivers an equally convincing performance. She is radiant, authentic, naturally funny without overdoing it, and her love for cooking shines through every gesture. Together, they form a strong, endearing, and deeply human duo. Their relationship develops slowly, filled with unspoken words, meaningful looks, and subtle gestures never forced or clichéd.
Visually, the drama is stunning. The Joseon-era sets are magnificent, the costumes refined, and the lighting carefully crafted. But what really makes you hungry is the presentation of the food. Each episode is a visual feast. The textures, colors, and cooking sounds are filmed with genuine love for gastronomy. Food becomes a language of its own between the characters a means of expression, survival, emotion, and love.
And then there’s the OST Doyoung (NCT) delivers a simply breathtaking song. His voice, soft and sincere, perfectly accompanies the drama’s most emotional moments. It acts as an emotional thread throughout the episodes. The soundtrack lingers long after the series ends, like a bittersweet memory you never want to forget.
*Bon Appétit, Your Majesty* doesn’t aim for spectacle, but it hits all the right notes. It talks about simple yet essential things the need to be seen, understood, loved… and well-fed. It’s comforting without being naive, romantic without being predictable, and funny without ever becoming ridiculous.
This drama skillfully combines fantasy, slice-of-life, historical romance, and gastronomy with remarkable fluidity.
Honestly, it’s arguably one of the best K-Dramas of 2025. It has everything a well-crafted story, a perfect cast, meticulous direction, a beautiful soundtrack, and above all… soul.
Thank you and goodbye, “Bon Appétit, Your Majesty."
You will definitely be missed. 🫶🏻
Was this review helpful to you?
