Im Yoon-ah comforted Lee Chae-min's wounds with heartfelt food.
In the episode 4 of the tvN weekend drama 'Bon Appetit, Your Majesty' (written by fGRD, directed by Jang Tae-yu, planned by Studio Dragon, produced by Film Grida, Jeong Universe) aired on the 31st of last month, the kind touch of Yeon Ji-young (Im Yoon-ah), who embraces loneliness, brought changes to the heart of the tyrant Lee Heon (Lee Chae-min).
As a result, the viewership ratings for episode 4 reached an average of 11.4% in the capital region, peaking at 13.6%, and an average of 11.1% nationwide, peaking at 13%, breaking its own record and ranking first in overall viewership ratings for tvN dramas in 2025, as well as first in real-time ratings across all channels, including terrestrial networks. It achieved significant results, capturing first place in the target demographic of 2049 male and female viewership ratings, with a national average of 4.5% and a peak of 5.3%, and a capital region average of 4% and a peak of 4.9%. (Based on paid platforms including cable, IPTV, and satellite / provided by Nielsen Korea)
As a competition focused on filial piety (孝) unfolded over the position of royal chef, Yeon Ji-young pondered what food could satisfy the palate of the judge, Queen In-ju (Seo Yi-sook), who would determine the outcome. During this time, she recalled the words of the palace attendant Yoon Chun-sik (Jeong Gyu-soo), who mentioned that the Queen was looking for the refreshing, savory taste of the soybean paste soup that her mother used to make.
After discovering the secret to achieving a refreshing savory taste, Yeon Ji-young prepared soybean paste soup with clams and spinach, rice, and side dishes. Yeon Ji-young's food not only touched the heart of the Queen Mother but also expressed a wish for health, perfectly embodying the theme of 'filial piety.' As a result, Yeon Ji-young proved her qualifications as a royal chef and achieved a remarkable victory in the competition.
However, after the cooking competition, Lee Heon's mood rapidly declined. This was due to the fact that the concubine, Kang Mok-joo (Kang Han-na), touched upon his mother's story while comforting Yeon Ji-young. News that Lee Heon had exploded in emotional outburst soon reached the royal kitchen, and Yeon Ji-young prepared soybean pasta filled with memories of her father and herself in hopes of soothing him.
After eating Yeon Ji-young's cooking, Lee Heon began to feel a sense of kinship with Yeon Ji-young, who had lost her mother in childhood and grew up alone under her father. Offering a rough comfort that came from the heart, Lee Heon showed interest in Yeon Ji-young's statement that she came from the future through the book 'Mang Un Rok,' suggesting that his feelings were slowly changing.
Just as Lee Heon regained some stability through Yeon Ji-young's food, he heard news that one of his subordinates who had been looking for the truth surrounding his mother's death had been attacked by an assassin, causing him to express rage once again. It was a confidential mission that no one else, except for his closest aides, could know of. Hence, Lee Heon became engulfed in deep loneliness, believing that everyone in the palace was connected to his mother's death.
In an attempt to drown his solitude in alcohol, Lee Heon summoned Yeon Ji-young to the royal kitchen in the middle of the night. She was taken aback upon seeing Lee Heon passed out from the alcohol. Just as she was about to wake him up, claiming she had brought a late-night snack, Lee Heon suddenly pulled Yeon Ji-young closer, drastically reducing the distance between them.
Yeon Ji-young, who was trying to get up from her seat, froze at Lee Heon's voice saying, 'Stay just like this, just for a moment,' while shedding tears. The moment Lee Heon's wounded gaze met Yeon Ji-young's, he gently kissed her, causing those who witnessed the scene to feel a rush of emotion.
Startled by Lee Heon's sudden kiss, Yeon Ji-young, tense and rigid, accepted his touch, increasing her excitement. Curiosity grows about what changes the drunken nighttime contact incident will bring to their relationship, and what the meaning behind Lee Heon's kiss could be.
Meanwhile, while recording the food prepared by Yeon Ji-young and the events of that day, Lee Heon reflected on Yeon Ji-young's story and named the book 'Mang Un Rok.' At that moment, the ancient book 'Mang Un Rok' in Yeon Ji-young's bag glowed and vanished, surprising everyone. Since Yeon Ji-young believes that the book has drawn her into the past, the connection between Mang Un Rok, Lee Heon, and Yeon Ji-young becomes even more intriguing.
The backstory of Chef Yeon Ji-young and the tyrant Lee Chae-min's drunken kiss will unfold in episode 5 of the tvN weekend drama 'Bon Appetit, Your Majesty,' airing on the 6th at 9:10 p.m.
[OSEN]