Im YoonA reflects on global success of 'Bon Appetit, Your Majesty'

On September 29, Im YoonA sat down with a journalist at the Ambassador Hotel to talk about the phenomenal journey of tvN's fantasy drama 'Bon Appetit, Your Majesty,' which aired its finale on September 28. The actress, who has now become synonymous with her character "Chef Yeon Ji-young," admitted she was deeply moved by the way the drama resonated both in Korea and across the globe, MK Sports reported. The drama follows Michelin 3-star chef Yeon Ji-young, portrayed by YoonA, who is transported to the Joseon dynasty and tasked with serving imaginative fusion cuisine to a food-obsessed monarch, played by Lee Chae-min. The series finale reached 17.1% in viewership ratings, the highest for tvN since 'Queen of Tears.' It also held the top spot on Netflix's non-English TV category for two consecutive weeks, cementing its status as one of 2025's standout K-dramas. YoonA revealed that food was the strongest factor behind the drama's global appeal. Incorporating elements of French cooking with traditional Korean royal cuisine, the show tapped into rising interest in K-food worldwide. To prepare for her role as Joseon's top chef, YoonA trained for more than three months in culinary schools and under professional chefs. She recalled "Doenjang Pasta" as the most memorable dish and hinted at recreating some recipes in her own time. The actress commended Lee Chae-min for stepping into the role of the monarch on short notice, praising his dedication to mastering horseback riding and calligraphy before filming. Their chemistry, despite an age difference, became a key draw for viewers. YoonA also highlighted memorable sequences like the exaggerated food reactions, action-filled dance scenes, and her own playful ad-lib with the royal kitchen staff - moments that won audience affection globally. Reflecting on the end of 'Bon Appetit, Your Majesty,' YoonA said she felt a heavy responsibility as much of the story was seen through her character's perspective. While proud of the drama's success, she confessed that the quick conclusion of the 12-part series left her feeling bittersweet. Looking ahead, she shared her desire to continue exploring diverse roles that allow audiences to see new facets of her as an actress.