Bon Appetit, Your Majesty provides both the fun of a historical drama and the joy of a food show. It's time to indulge in the flavors and aromas that will waft beyond the screen.
On the 19th, a production presentation for the new tvN weekend drama Bon Appetit, Your Majesty (directed by Jang Tae-yu, planned by Studio Dragon, produced by Film Grida and Jung Universe) was held at The Saint in D-Cube City, Sindorim, Guro-gu, Seoul. Attendees included director Jang Tae-yu and actors Im Yoon-a, Lee Chae-min, Choi Gwi-hwa, Seo Yi-sook, and Oh Ui-sik.
Based on a popular web novel, Bon Appetit, Your Majesty (working title) is garnering attention as it is directed by Jang Tae-yu, who has continued the myth of historical dramas with hits such as My Love from the Star, Deep-rooted Tree, The Flower in Prison, Hong Cheon-ki, and Night Blooming Flowers.
Director Jang Tae-yu said, "While I can't specify a particular drama, Bon Appetit, Your Majesty stands out as it is genuinely about cooking. The original story not only features the profession of a chef but also includes many characters. With a story about a king who changes through food and relationships evolving through cooking, it bears similarities to The Flower in Prison. In The Flower in Prison, props acted like main characters, but in Bon Appetit, Your Majesty, the dishes prepared by Yeon Ji-young play a crucial role. When the script was ready, I met with consultants to discuss the production and cooking processes in depth, and I put a lot of thought into making the flavors and aromas feel present on screen," he noted.
He added, "I didn't focus particularly on time slip. The time slip aspect appears briefly, but the drama is centered around what kind of clashes might occur when the best chef of this era meets the greatest tyrant and gourmet from 500 years ago."
Director Jang Tae-yu is once again presenting a historical drama. He stated, "Good quality historical dramas require a lot of support, but it's been a while since an open set has been created. We have entered an era where creating new historical dramas is nearly impossible, but it's regrettable that there aren't more of them. Starting as a co-director on Women of the Chosun Dynasty and directing The Flower in Prison and Deep-rooted Tree was not a coincidence. Initially, it was tough, hot, and difficult, so I disliked it, but now I actually miss that era. As long as there are those who can create historical dramas with memories of that time, I want to make even one more episode."
Bon Appetit, Your Majesty features beloved actors across generations, including Im Yoon-a, Lee Chae-min, and Choi Gwi-hwa, raising expectations. Director Jang Tae-yu discussed the casting of lead actors Im Yoon-a and Lee Chae-min, saying, "As you can tell from the title, 'Bon Appetit, Your Majesty' emphasizes the importance of the chef. Since the character plays a French chef, who goes back in time to cook to survive and has romantic connections, it's not a role just any typical actor could play. I thought if anyone could do this, it would be Im Yoon-a, and it seems like the casting was fated. She prepared so diligently that I was surprisingly impressed by how well she embodied the role. Lee Chae-min also joined late, but he trained hard every day in horseback riding, cooking, and archery. He kept developing his abs, so I think it was a challenging role for him as an actor. In previous works, I would have had to inform actors a month in advance for such scenes, but this time, I was grateful that we could shoot at any time."
Im Yoon-a plays the role of Yeon Ji-young, a French chef with a cheerful yet determined personality. On the day she won the top championship at the French Culinary Grand Prix, she suddenly finds herself transported to the Joseon Dynasty, where instead of the Michelin 3-star bistro in Paris she was supposed to work as head chef, she meets the worst tyrant and presents a fusion royal dish just for him. The survival story of the unfortunate chef Yeon Ji-young, who unexpectedly changes jobs, and the romance that unfolds within it are drawing attention.
Im Yoon-a said, "I really wanted to meet director Jang Tae-yu at least once. The cooking theme was intriguing to me. I have always had an interest in cooking, so I found it captivating that this drama revolves around it, going back in time to explore a new era and environment while persistently paving one's path. I was drawn into the character of Yeon Ji-young, who is honest, determined, and wise."
Im Yoon-a explained, "Three months before beginning the production, I attended a cooking academy and started learning basic knife skills and ingredient prep. I went through the process of learning the dishes featured in the drama with consulting instructors, and through that experience, I found that my cooking, which I had only pursued as a hobby before, began to embrace the professional jargon and became more familiar. Still, cutting ingredients remains difficult for me. I believe there's a difference in my skills now than before learning."
She added, "Cooking plays a significant role in capturing the character, so much so that the image of a chef who never gives up on her dreams is prominent in Yeon Ji-young. If I had to point out a standard, it would be the chef's sense of responsibility and dreams, which I believe can be considered a charm of our drama."
Lee Chae-min portrays Lee Hun, the owner of the royal kitchen where Yeon Ji-young works. After becoming king, the worst tyrant Lee Hun, who wields absolute power, has a highly sensitive palate capable of detecting changes in the taste of food based on the weather. Upon unexpectedly tasting the food of the ghostly maiden Yeon Ji-young, he becomes enamored and invites her into the palace. It raises curiosity about Lee Hun's peak of appetite after meeting the best chef of his life.
Lee Chae-min stated, "As a newcomer with little experience, I tried to find reasons for being given such a big role. I analyzed and worked hard, pouring everything into it. The character Lee Hun wasn't created by me alone; it was developed into a better character thanks to everyone. It is true that I felt pressured and had a sense of responsibility due to limited time, but the director frequently called me in before filming, allowing me to rehearse with senior actors. We shaped the tone and feel of the character, and during filming, the feedback from senior actors who shot with me was incredibly helpful."
He added, "While actually eating, I had to consider how to express it since a variety of foods are featured. Since cooking is the main and important element, I felt a burden to eat deliciously as well, but because I enjoy eating in real life, I approached it with the mindset to portray it as honestly and genuinely as possible while injecting some exaggerated elements. I even practiced my expressions while watching related videos and made sounds while trying them out."
Initially, the role of Lee Hun was set to go to actor Park Sung-hoon, who appeared in Netflix's Squid Game seasons 2 and 3, but due to a personal controversy involving a photo parodying the series posted on social media, he stepped down. Director Jang Tae-yu addressed Park Sung-hoon's exit, saying, "At that time, we were still in the preparation stage before the main filming. There were many candidates, and I think of it as just a passing process. Though he wasn't the actor I thought from the beginning, I am 120% satisfied with Lee Chae-min, who I met later. He's doing exceptionally well." Notably, the director added regarding the revised portion from 100% to 120%, "Just because you do your best doesn't guarantee a good outcome. Lee Chae-min not only prepared diligently but also demonstrated tangible results that will be evident on screen."
Director Jang Tae-yu discussed the chemistry between Im Yoon-a and Lee Chae-min, stating, "I can't remember past works. It's not a traditional melodrama, but there's enjoyment in watching these two. Since the love is completed through cooking, we have to captivate the audience with tastes and aromas without being overt; when you see them together, it feels like their visuals aligned beautifully. Rather than explaining with words, it just clicks, and for the first time, the staff members remarked, 'Who is Lee Chae-min?' and then commented that 'their chemistry was incredible.' There is a kissing scene, and everyone seemed excited about it. It appears in the first half of the drama."
Im Yoon-a remarked, "As expected, the chemistry was great. Lee Chae-min is incredibly focused, allowing us to discuss the drama and characters comfortably while acting as Lee Hun and Yeon Ji-young. From the moment we appeared wearing royal garments, I felt he was Lee Hun. His vocal presence and concentration as a king are outstanding, which helped me immerse myself in the role."
Lee Chae-min expressed, "As a fan of Girls' Generation, it was an honor to participate in this project. My senior helped align us and actively supported me, which made my filming easy. She cooks exceptionally well in real life. Her hands are skilled and quick, and during cooking scenes, she showed the process to the extent that there were no NG takes."
Choi Gwi-hwa portrays Je San-daegun, a member of the Joseon royal family. As the most powerful enemy of King Lee Hun, Je San-daegun possesses a ruthless nature that makes eliminating undesired individuals as easy as drinking water. After the death of his father, he pretends to be a wastrel to survive, all while secretly plotting to seize the throne from Lee Hun. The focus is on whether Je San-daegun, who conceals his claws and waits for the right moment, can ascend to the throne as he hopes.
Choi Gwi-hwa stated, "It's not exactly a case of playing dual roles, but I oscillated between acting foolishly to avoid the king's notice and portraying the ambitious Je San-daegun. Adjusting the tone was difficult, so it was a new experience. Interestingly, that aspect was quite fun."
Seo Yi-sook plays In-ju Daebi, who became the highest-ranking elder in the royal family after losing her husband and son and then personally placed her grandson and heir, Lee Hun, on the throne. After Lee Hun ascended to the throne, he rampages like a runaway train, creating a tense atmosphere within the royal family.
Seo Yi-sook expressed, "I have been working continuously with director Jang Tae-yu, and I'm thrilled. I believe I was selected because I didn't make mistakes in the previous work, and this time, I thought about how I could perform well maturely. Director Jang Tae-yu works hard during the process, but the results are good. Although the process is tough, he is a director everyone wants to work with because of the final results." She added, "In-ju Daebi calmly mediates all incidents. Being a young king, Lee Hun sometimes acts impulsively, but she manages and organizes the situation from behind. This time, there won't be any significant incidents."
Oh Ui-sik takes on the role of Do Seung-ji, who is born to strategize and skilled in political maneuvering; he uses the king for his advantage to eliminate opposing forces. He has become the king Lee Hun's favored confidant, earning the king's trust and love, yet he is labeled as a 'notorious traitor' by the people.
Oh Ui-sik shared, "Like Seo Yi-sook, I previously worked with director Jang Tae-yu. Even though I was a character brought in halfway through, I enjoyed filming, and the result was good. The character entrusted to me, although I have played various roles, was a first for me—portraying a traitor, which I found appealing and motivated my decision to participate. Having grown up with the king since childhood, I understand his heart better than anyone. I can provide what he desires, so while enjoying his favor, I pursue personal interests or suppress rivals, amplifying and alleviating conflicts in the middle. Particularly, I play a role bridging Im Yoon-a and Lee Chae-min, enriching the experience further."
The new tvN weekend drama Bon Appetit, Your Majesty will premiere on the 23rd at 9:10 p.m.
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