In the 10th episode of tvN's weekend drama 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty,' aired on the 21st, the relationship between Yeon Ji-young (played by YoonA) and Lee Heon (played by Lee Chae-min) deepened as they worked together to clear their names from the false accusation of attempting to poison the Grand Prince.
The episode achieved impressive ratings, with an average of 15.9% and a peak of 17.6% in the metropolitan area, and an average of 15.8% and a peak of 17.3% nationwide, securing the top spot across all channels, including terrestrial networks, during its time slot. Among tvN's target demographic of viewers aged 20-49, it recorded an average of 5.7% and a peak of 6.1% in the metropolitan area, and an average of 6.1% and a peak of 6.6% nationwide, dominating the time slot across all channels. (Based on paid platforms including cable, IPTV, and satellite, provided by Nielsen Korea)
Upon hearing the news that Yeon Ji-young was taken away on charges of attempting to assassinate the Grand Prince, Lee Heon rushed to the prison. Faced with the threat of losing her son, Queen Mother Ja-hyun (played by Shin Eun-jung) confronted Lee Heon, and tensions escalated as he drew his sword in anger. However, moved by Yeon Ji-young's earnest plea, Lee Heon lowered his sword and began searching for evidence to prove her innocence, though none was found, adding to the frustration.
Meanwhile, rumors spread that the king was bewitched by a court lady and attempted to harm the Grand Prince, causing the royal court's atmosphere to freeze. The Grand Queen Dowager In-ju (played by Seo Yi-sook) gave Yeon Ji-young three days to prove her innocence, handing her a dagger to end her own life if she failed.
After narrowly escaping the prison, Yeon Ji-young prepared a meal for Lee Heon and headed to his quarters. Having already heard about the rumors from the Grand Queen Dowager, Yeon Ji-young pushed Lee Heon away as he approached her. However, Lee Heon kissed her, saying, "This is a kiss for the woman I love the most," creating a moment of excitement.
With Yeon Ji-young's return, Lee Heon regained his vigor and intensified the investigation into the attempted assassination of the Grand Prince. As he examined the medicine and food consumed by the Grand Prince on the day he collapsed, Lee Heon suddenly exhibited the same symptoms, revealing a clue to the mystery. It was discovered that the medicine contained Oryeongji, a toxic herb when combined with ginseng.
As the truth about the Grand Prince's poisoning emerged, Lady Kang Mok-joo (played by Kang Han-na), who orchestrated the plot, was gripped by fear of being exposed. Additionally, Chuwol (played by Kim Chae-hyun), who attempted to kill the court lady involved with the Grand Prince's medicine, was captured, leading Kang Mok-joo to take drastic measures by ending Chuwol's life, shocking everyone.
While Kang Mok-joo was being cornered, Grand Prince Je-san (played by Choi Gwi-hwa) sought out Lee Heon's maternal grandmother, Lady Shim (played by Ye Soo-jung), laying the groundwork for a coup. His sinister laughter at the Grand Queen Dowager's banquet, where he planned to provoke Lee Heon, sent chills down the spine.
At the same time, Lee Heon was preparing a solo performance of the Cheoyongmu dance for the Grand Queen Dowager's banquet. Under the moonlight, he invited Yeon Ji-young to a private performance, confessing his feelings by asking her to be his partner. His heartfelt promise to make her bibimbap every morning if she accepted moved Yeon Ji-young deeply.
Yeon Ji-young, who had already been touched by Lee Heon's affectionate actions, found herself drawn to him. As she considered returning to her own time, she felt a pang in her heart, and she responded to Lee Heon's gentle kiss, completing a romantic night. She also revealed her inner thoughts, wondering if it might be okay not to return to her own era and world, expressing her affection for Lee Heon.
Reporter: Jung Se-yoon, TenAsia yoon@tenasia.co.kr