Lim Yoon-a and Lee Chae-min Enter Competitive Mode in 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty'

Lim Yoon-a and Lee Chae-min have officially entered competitive mode.

In the sixth episode of tvN's weekend drama 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty,' which aired on the 7th, a cooking competition against the Ming Dynasty was announced. Amidst preparations for the contest, the romance between Yeon Ji-young (played by Lim Yoon-a) and Lee Heon (played by Lee Chae-min) provided viewers with sweet excitement.

The episode achieved a viewership rating of 13.1% on average in the metropolitan area, peaking at 15.1%, and 12.7% nationwide, peaking at 14.5%, setting a new personal best. It also ranked first in its time slot across all channels, including terrestrial networks. Among tvN's target demographic of viewers aged 20-49, it recorded an average of 4.2% in the metropolitan area, peaking at 4.6%, and 4.9% nationwide, peaking at 5.3%, maintaining a steady upward trend. (Based on paid platforms including cable, IPTV, and satellite / Nielsen Korea)

Led by the influential eunuch Woo Gon (played by Kim Hyung-mook), the Ming delegation made unreasonable demands from the start, irritating King Lee Heon. Hearing rumors that Woo Gon had humiliated Korean chefs under the guise of entertainment, Yeon Ji-young, determined to prove herself, surprised the Ming chefs with her exquisite macarons, known for their sweet taste and crispy texture.

Enthralled by Yeon Ji-young's macarons, Woo Gon proposed a cooking competition with the Ming chefs, as Lee Heon had anticipated. Seeing the well-prepared Ming chefs, Yeon Ji-young signaled Lee Heon to reject the proposal. However, misunderstanding her signal, Lee Heon not only accepted the challenge but also expanded it to a team competition, leaving Yeon Ji-young flustered.

With no choice but to compete, as refusing or losing the contest could result in severe consequences, Yeon Ji-young reluctantly agreed. Lee Heon further motivated her by promising to find the 'Mangwoonrok' if she won.

Yeon Ji-young decided to use chili peppers, discovered in the royal kitchen, as her secret weapon for the competition. To obtain a pass to the marketplace, she dressed elegantly from head to toe at Lee Heon's request. Lee Heon, dressed in casual attire instead of royal robes, joined her, turning their ingredient search into an impromptu first date.

While exploring the marketplace, Yeon Ji-young showed interest in a butterfly-shaped ornament similar to one associated with the 'Mangwoonrok.' Observing this, Lee Heon secretly purchased various gifts, including the ornament, revealing his romantic side. Yeon Ji-young reciprocated by picking irises, known for their calming effect, as a gift for Lee Heon.

Lee Heon touched Yeon Ji-young by secretly gifting her the ornament, saying, "I thought you might want it." The exchange of gifts stirred emotions between them, delighting viewers.

Returning from their date in high spirits, Yeon Ji-young encountered Ming chef Abisu (played by Moon Seung-yu) at the palace entrance, entering the royal kitchen with a tense expression. The kitchen was already in disarray due to Abisu's previous humiliation of the chefs. As the head chef, Yeon Ji-young rallied her team, preparing them for the upcoming battle.

With the announcement of the three competition themes, the culinary showdown, a matter of national pride, began. Sharpening her knives, Yeon Ji-young declared, "Get ready, delegation. I'll show you the heat," raising anticipation over whether she can secure victory, uphold Lee Heon's honor, restore the chefs' pride, and safeguard the nation's fate.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr