Im Yoon-a and Lee Chae-min have officially entered the competition mode.
In the 6th episode of the tvN weekend drama 'Bon Appetit, Your Majesty' (directed by Jang Tae-yu, written by fGRD, planned by Studio Dragon, produced by Film Grida and Jung Universe), which aired on the 7th, a cooking competition against the Ming Dynasty is anticipated, showcasing the romance between Yeon Ji-young (Im Yoon-a) and Lee Heon (Lee Chae-min) as they prepare for the competition, evoking sweet thrills.
The 6th episode recorded an average viewership rating of 13.1% in the metropolitan area and a peak of 15.1%, while the national average was 12.7% with a peak of 14.5%, surpassing its own record and ranking first among all channels during the same time slot, including terrestrial broadcasts. In terms of tvN's target demographic of viewers aged 20-49, the ratings were 4.2% and 4.6% at their highest in the metropolitan area and 4.9% and 5.3% nationally, sweeping first place among all channels during the same time slot and continuing a steady upward trend. (Based on paid platforms including cable, IPTV, and satellite / Provided by Nielsen Korea)
The envoy led by the influential Taegam U-gon (Kim Hyung-mook), who wields power in the royal court, started off the negotiations with unreasonable demands, irritating King Lee Heon. Upon hearing rumors that U-gon had humiliated the cooks of Korea under the pretext of amusement while coming to the palace, Yeon Ji-young, fueled by resentment, surprised the Ming Dynasty cooks with her delicious and crispy macarons.
U-gon, who was captivated by the macarons made by Yeon Ji-young, proposed a cooking competition with the Ming Dynasty cooks, setting conditions for tribute as expected by Lee Heon. Seeing the Ming Dynasty cooks, who were solidly prepared, Yeon Ji-young hurriedly signaled Lee Heon to reject the proposal. However, misunderstanding the situation, Lee Heon not only accepted the competition but also escalated it to a team event, leaving Yeon Ji-young bewildered.
Having decided to hold the competition, there was no way to back out, and as refusing the competition with the Ming Dynasty would make them great criminals if they lost, Yeon Ji-young had no choice but to accept the challenge with tears. Especially since Lee Heon placed a condition that if he won the competition, he would help find the Mangwon-rok, Yeon Ji-young's desperation grew.
Thus, Yeon Ji-young decided to use the secret weapon she found at the Great Zhao Office, a chili pepper, for the competition with the envoy. To reach the mill, she sought a pass to the marketplace and, according to Lee Heon's orders, she thoroughly dressed up from head to toe. Lee Heon also joined her outing, wearing a casual outfit instead of the ceremonial robe, turning their first date disguised as a search for ingredients into a reality.
While wandering the marketplace, Yeon Ji-young showed interest in a butterfly-shaped ornament that resembled the Mangwon-rok. Observing this, Lee Heon revealed his romantic side by secretly purchasing various gifts, including the ornament, flower shoes, and silk, while Yeon Ji-young also contributed to the warm atmosphere by picking irises as a gift to help her find spiritual peace for Lee Heon.
Above all, Lee Heon touched Yeon Ji-young's heart with his thoughtfulness, secretly gifting her the ornament she had shown interest in by saying, "I thought you wanted it." The strange feelings between Yeon Ji-young and Lee Heon as they looked at the gifts they exchanged made their hearts flutter.
After their pleasant date, Yeon Ji-young returned home feeling good and encountered the Ming Dynasty cook Abisu (played by Moon Seung-yu) at the door, entering the kitchen with a frown on her face. The kitchen was in turmoil, having been devastated by the frustration of cooks who had already been humiliated by Abisu. As the leading cook in the kitchen, Yeon Ji-young's fighting spirit ignited, and she encouraged the cooks, completing their preparations.
Finally, with the announcement of the three topics for the competition, the cooking battle between the two countries, each with its dignity at stake, began. Sharpening her knife, Yeon Ji-young declared, "Get ready, envoy. I will show you the hot taste!" We are left wondering whether Yeon Ji-young will triumph in the cooking competition and protect Lee Heon's face, the cooks' pride, and the fate of the nation.
The fierce competition among the cooks of the two nations, who are serious about cooking, will unfold in the 7th episode of the tvN weekend drama 'Bon Appetit, Your Majesty,' airing on the night of the 13th at 9:10 p.m.
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