A delicious romance that transcends 500 years and generations is born.
tvN's new drama 'The Tyrant's Chef (tentative title)' (directed by Jang Tae-yoo, planned by Studio Dragon, produced by Film Greeda, Jung Universe) depicts a fantasy survival romance that transcends 500 years as a time-slipped French chef meets the worst tyrant and the greatest gourmet king.
Based on a popular web novel, 'The Tyrant's Chef (tentative title)' is directed by Jang Tae-yoo, who has continued the historical drama's undefeated myth with works like 'My Love from the Star', 'Deep-rooted Tree', 'The Painter of the Wind', 'Hong Cheon-ki', and 'Flowers Bloom at Night'. The cast includes beloved actors across generations, such as Lim Yoona, Lee Chae-min, Kang Han-na, and Choi Gwi-hwa, raising expectations.
First, Lim Yoona plays the role of French chef Yeon Ji-young, who has a cheerful yet strong personality. On the day she wins the top culinary competition in France, she suddenly falls into the Joseon era and meets the worst tyrant instead of the Michelin 3-star bistro in Paris where she was offered the head chef position, showcasing fusion royal cuisine just for him. The survival story of the unfortunate chef Yeon Ji-young and the budding romance within it are drawing attention.
Lee Chae-min plays the role of Lee Heon, the king of Joseon and the owner of the royal kitchen where Yeon Ji-young (Lim Yoona) works. After becoming king, the worst tyrant Lee Heon wields absolute power and has a sensitive palate that can detect changes in food taste due to the weather. He unexpectedly tastes the food of the noblewoman Yeon Ji-young and falls in love with it, bringing her into the palace. Viewers are curious about the peak of Lee Heon's appetite after meeting the best chef of his life.
Previously, Park Seong-hoon, who appeared in Netflix's 'Squid Game' Season 2, caused controversy by posting a parody photo of the series on social media on the 30th of last month, which he quickly deleted. Park Seong-hoon's side explained that it was a mistake in handling social media, but the controversy spread, and he ultimately concluded with a tearful apology during a media interview for 'Squid Game 2', leading to his exit from the show.
Kang Han-na plays the role of Kang Mok-joo, who rises to the position of a royal concubine with the king's favor, adding tension to the relationship between Yeon Ji-young and Lee Heon. Kang Mok-joo, who has both beauty and talent, hides her endless ambition for power. Her insatiable greed, which drives her to obtain what she wants by any means necessary, raises curiosity about the storm she will bring to the palace.
Choi Gwi-hwa plays the role of Je San-daegun, a member of the Joseon royal family. Je San-daegun, the strongest rival of King Lee Heon, has a cruel nature that makes it easier for him to eliminate those he dislikes than to drink water. After his father’s death, he pretends to be a carefree man to survive, but he is always on the lookout for an opportunity to dethrone Lee Heon and become king. Attention is focused on whether Je San-daegun, who hides his claws and waits for the right moment, can ascend to the throne as he desires.
Thus, 'The Tyrant's Chef (tentative title)', which promises a meeting of Lim Yoona, Lee Chae-min, Kang Han-na, Choi Gwi-hwa, and uniquely strong characters, will depict the process of a chef from the future meeting a tyrant with an absolute palate, sharing taste and emotions, and is expected to deliver excitement, comfort, and laughter. The sweet yet fierce romance between the chef and the tyrant, the feast of fusion cuisine that stimulates the appetite, and the fierce palace intrigue will fill the show, and viewers are eagerly awaiting the first broadcast of 'The Tyrant's Chef (tentative title)'.
The production team of 'The Tyrant's Chef (tentative title)' stated, "Set against the backdrop of a fictional royal era in Joseon, we plan to depict the ultimate synergy created by individuals with different colors and tastes coming together," adding, "Like the Tangpyeongchae, which symbolizes the policy of harmony, we will present a delicious romance that connects people, so we ask for your great expectations."
The new tvN drama 'The Tyrant's Chef (tentative title)', crafted with care by Lim Yoona, Lee Chae-min, Kang Han-na, and Choi Gwi-hwa, is set to premiere in the second half of 2025.
