YoonA's Heartfelt Cooking Comforts Lee Chae-min in 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty'

In the latest episode of tvN's weekend drama 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty,' aired on the 31st, YoonA's character Yeon Ji-young offers heartfelt comfort to Lee Chae-min's character, Lee Heon, through her sincere cooking.

The fourth episode saw a significant ratings boost, achieving an average of 11.4% in the Seoul metropolitan area and peaking at 13.6%. Nationwide, it recorded an average of 11.1% and a peak of 13%, setting a new record for the series. It also ranked first in its time slot across all channels, including terrestrial networks, and topped the 2049 demographic ratings with an average of 4.5% nationwide and 4% in the metropolitan area, according to Nielsen Korea.

In a competition themed around filial piety, Yeon Ji-young impresses the judges, including the Queen Dowager (played by Seo Yi-sook), by recreating a nostalgic soybean paste soup that resonates with the Queen Dowager's childhood memories. Her dish, featuring clams and spinach, not only wins the competition but also perfectly embodies the theme of filial piety.

However, after the competition, Lee Heon's mood deteriorates due to a conversation with concubine Kang Mok-joo (played by Kang Han-na), which touches on his painful past. To comfort him, Yeon Ji-young prepares a soybean paste pasta, reminiscent of her own childhood memories with her father.

Lee Heon, moved by Yeon Ji-young's cooking, begins to feel a connection with her, as both share the experience of growing up without a mother. His interest is piqued by Yeon Ji-young's claim of being from the future, as mentioned in the book 'Mangwoonrok.'

Despite finding temporary solace in Yeon Ji-young's food, Lee Heon is soon angered by news of an attack on his subordinate, who was investigating his mother's death. This incident deepens his suspicion that everyone in the palace might be involved in the mystery surrounding his mother's demise.

In a drunken stupor, Lee Heon summons Yeon Ji-young to the palace kitchen, where he unexpectedly pulls her close, narrowing the distance between them.

As Yeon Ji-young attempts to leave, Lee Heon, with tears in his eyes, asks her to stay a little longer. Their eyes meet, and Lee Heon gently kisses her, leaving viewers captivated by the unexpected moment.

The sudden kiss leaves Yeon Ji-young startled yet intrigued, raising questions about the future of their relationship and the meaning behind Lee Heon's actions.

Meanwhile, as Lee Heon reflects on the day's events and Yeon Ji-young's story, he names his book 'Mangwoonrok.' At that moment, the ancient book in Yeon Ji-young's bag glows and disappears, adding another layer of mystery to their connection.

The link between 'Mangwoonrok,' Lee Heon, and Yeon Ji-young continues to intrigue viewers, as the drama unfolds.

Reported by Sojung Lee, TenAsia forusojung@tenasia.co.kr