Bon Appétit, Your Majesty: A Gripping Tale of Betrayal and Survival

A harrowing tragedy has befallen Lim Yoon-a and Lee Chae-min.

In the 11th episode of tvN's weekend drama 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty,' aired on the 27th, viewers were left on the edge of their seats as Yeon Ji-young (played by Lim Yoon-a) and Lee Heon (played by Lee Chae-min) found themselves ensnared in a deadly trap set by traitors.

The episode achieved a nationwide average rating of 12.4%, peaking at 13.7%, securing the top spot across all channels, including terrestrial networks, during its time slot. It also ranked first in the 20-49 demographic in both metropolitan and nationwide ratings, according to Nielsen Korea.

After hearing Lee Heon's heartfelt confession asking her to be his partner, Yeon Ji-young pushed him away, stating that she must leave someday. However, she promised to return if Lee Heon proves not to be a tyrant, touching his heart. Lee Heon reciprocated with a warm embrace, deepening their emotional connection.

As the birthday banquet for Queen Dowager Inju (played by Seo Yi-sook) approached, Yeon Ji-young prepared a feast, while Lee Heon reminisced about his childhood memories with his grandmother, performing a dance in her honor. The heartfelt exchange between Lee Heon and Queen Dowager Inju, as grandson and grandmother, brought warmth to Yeon Ji-young.

However, the atmosphere turned tense when Lee Jang-kyun (played by Lee Se-ho), holding a secret document revealing the truth about the deposed queen's death, appeared at the banquet. Grand Prince Jesan (played by Choi Gwi-hwa) had taken Lee Jang-kyun's family hostage to incite Lee Heon's wrath by presenting the document and the deposed queen's mother before him.

Upon learning the truth about his mother's death, Lee Heon was consumed by rage and shockingly turned his sword towards Queen Dowager Inju. Yeon Ji-young desperately tried to calm him, but Lee Heon, having lost his senses, continued his rampage.

With tears in her eyes, Yeon Ji-young reminded Lee Heon of her love and their promise, eventually soothing his anger. The testimony of Lady Sim (played by Ye Soo-jung), who revealed the deposed queen's dying wish for Lee Heon to become a wise king and clear her name, finally brought Lee Heon to his senses, leaving him in despair.

Yeon Ji-young comforted Lee Heon, urging him to reconcile with Queen Dowager Inju, believing that resolving their emotional rift was crucial for Lee Heon to become a wise king. Despite his reluctance, Lee Heon agreed, seemingly resolving the conflict.

Yet, despite Yeon Ji-young's efforts to prevent a coup, tragedy struck. Grand Prince Jesan deceived Lee Heon into entering the forest of Salgoji, while impersonating him to murder Queen Dowager Inju, igniting the coup. Misled by a lie about Yeon Ji-young's abduction, Lee Heon unknowingly walked into a trap filled with assassins, heightening the tension.

Meanwhile, Yeon Ji-young was pursued by rebels, placing both in a dire situation. As Yeon Ji-young's efforts to thwart the coup crumbled, the question remains whether she and Lee Heon will survive and reunite. The fate of Lim Yoon-a and Lee Chae-min amidst the turmoil will be revealed in the final episode of 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty,' airing tonight at 9:10 PM.

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