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Bon Appétit, Your Majesty has now become one of the most talked-about K-dramas of 2025 on Netflix. From palace intrigue to mouth-watering recepies, this show emerged as both familiar and refreshing.
The narrative is about a modern-day chef who somehow finds herself transported into the Joseon period and uses her culinary skills to survive by preparing food for an upset king. The show has managed to capture the imagination of drama lovers all over the world thanks to its striking visuals, romantic tension, and its one-of-a-kind culinary storytelling.
And as the K-drama continues to rise on Netflix in multiple countries, many are left with a burning question: Is Bon Appétit, Your Majesty based on a true story, or is it purely fictional? King Lee-heon, played by Lee Chae-min, hints at a cruel King from the Joseon era, but the time slip plot suggests it's an invention.
Interestingly, the drama isn't entirely based on a real Korean ruler and is adapted from an acclaimed web novel. This way, the makers of the show were able to blend creative storytelling and inspiration from the web novel.
Let's explore more about this K-drama and its story in detail!
The historical inspiration behind Bon Appétit, Your Majesty K-drama explored
The fan-adored K-drama Bon Appétit, Your Majesty isn't based on any true story. However, the main character, King Lee-heon, who captured Ji-young and kept her in prison until she proved herself, is loosely based on one of Korea's infamous rulers, Yeonsangun of Joseon.
Just like Lee-heon, the ruler was known for his harshness and cruelty. But the difference in the Netflix K-drama is that Lee-heon has become harsh due to his mother's demise. She was killed when he was a kid, and is often disturbed by thoughts about the past.
This way, the show becomes different with more depth, leaving viewers falling in love with the King and even Lee Chae-min, who is now considered a rising star alongside Girls' Generation's Yoona. Interestingly, Lee wasn't the first choice to portray the King.
It was Squid Game Season 3's star, Park Sung-hoon, who was finalized as King Lee-heon, but a controversy related to the Korean thriller led him to step down from the main role. This way, Lee secured the role, and now fans are even comparing his appearance with the real-life King that inspired the character in the web novel.
Bon Appétit, Your Majesty is adapted from a Korean web novel: Details explored
The 2022 web novel behind Bon Appétit, Your Majesty is titled Surviving as Yeonsangun’s Chef by Park Guk-jae, which focuses on the King as the main character. His behaviour and attitude become central to the story, but the K-drama has softened the character as a creative change.
The web novel received immense love from the readers, and now it's time for the Netflix K-drama to grab the attention. The show only has 12 episodes, with eight episodes out already on the streamer.
The story in Bon Appétit, Your Majesty so far
Episode 8 of Bon Appétit, Your Majesty concluded on a cliffhanger: The Joseon and Ming teams were curious about their scores in the second round of the culinary battle. If Ji-young loses this one, it will be even harder for her to triumph over the Ming chefs, whose envoy has already joined forces with the evil Prince Jesan.
At the same time, the King is also worried about Ji-young's injury, which has been troubling her throughout the episode. As for Kang Mok-ju, she has planned to get Ji-young killed so that Mings can win, leaving Joseon miserable.
Despite the threats, Yeon Ji-young has decided not to give up until the very end. The King is hoping for her win, while also admiring her. The next chapter is expected to feature a heartfelt moment between the two.
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Also Read: Bon Appétit, Your Majesty: Did Ji-young’s Mangunrok novel vanish after the King wrote his own?
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