Korean Time-Travel Drama 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty' Breaks 15% Ratings While Dominating Netflix Global Charts in 2025
Lee Chae-min's career-defining performance alongside Im Yoon-ah's culinary romance captivates millions worldwide
The Korean drama landscape has found its newest phenomenon in "Bon Appétit, Your Majesty," a time-traveling culinary romance that has shattered expectations both domestically and internationally. The tvN series has climbed from 4.9% premiere ratings to 15.4% by episode 8, while simultaneously claiming the #2 spot globally on Netflix's non-English shows with 7.5 million views.
Record-Breaking Performance
The series became the first tvN drama since "Jeong Nyeon" in November 2024 to break the 15% ratings threshold, with the finale scheduled for September 28 across 12 total episodes. The drama's consistent upward trajectory suggests potential for the coveted 20% ratings mark.
Domestically, the series boasts the highest ratings among all CJ ENM titles in 2025, with a nationwide household average of 12.7% and a peak rating of 14.5%. Industry analysts note this success is particularly significant given viewership is split between traditional broadcast and streaming platforms.
Global Netflix Domination
The show achieved a historic feat by becoming the first-ever non-original K-drama to reach No. 1 in Netflix's global TV show category. During its fourth week on Netflix Top 10 charts, it generated 6.8 million views and over 70 million hours watched.
The series premiered simultaneously on tvN and Netflix on August 23, 2025, allowing global audiences immediate access to each weekend episode.
Lee Chae-min's Breakthrough Moment
Lee Chae-min joined the production as a replacement for Park Sung-hoon, who stepped down due to controversy. Despite the challenging circumstances, the 24-year-old actor has successfully completed his first historical lead role, positioning himself as a central force in the drama.
His portrayal of King Lee Heon combines authoritative presence with vulnerability, particularly in scenes reminiscing about his mother. The performance has earned him recognition as a next-generation romantic comedy leading man.
Im Yoon-ah's Proven Star Power
Im Yoon-ah has maintained the top position in TV-OTT drama buzz rankings for four consecutive weeks since the show's premiere. Her portrayal of chef Yeon Ji-young showcases technical cooking skills alongside emotional depth, reinforcing her transition from idol to respected actress.
The chemistry between the leads has been consistently praised, with viewers noting their natural rapport despite the 10-year age difference between the actors.
Cultural Impact Through Cuisine
The drama's unique premise follows a modern French chef transported to Korea's Joseon Dynasty, where she must cook for a tyrannical king with an extraordinary palate. This setup allows for creative fusion cuisine that has captured international attention.
Each episode features elaborate dishes combining traditional Korean ingredients like soybean paste and modern techniques, effectively promoting Korean culinary culture to global audiences. Major publications including Forbes and The New York Times have highlighted the show's focus on food as storytelling.
Production Excellence
Expert culinary consultation led by professional chefs ensured authenticity in food preparation and historical accuracy in palace dining customs. The production team researched historical ingredients and cooking methods to create believable fusion dishes that respect both modern and traditional elements.
Industry Significance
The show's success has reignited investor confidence in Studio Dragon, significantly outperforming the company's long-term ratings average of 6.3%. This performance represents a crucial win for tvN after struggling to maintain momentum in early 2025.
The drama's simultaneous success on linear television and streaming platforms demonstrates how compelling content can thrive across different viewing ecosystems, setting a precedent for future K-drama distribution strategies.
"Bon Appétit, Your Majesty" has proven that innovative genre combinations-time travel, historical drama, culinary arts, and romance-can create must-watch television that resonates with both domestic and international audiences, further cementing Korea's position as a global entertainment powerhouse.
