'The Tyrant's Chef' has made a smooth start, showcasing the chemistry between Im Yoon-a and Lee Chae-min that exceeds expectations.
The first episode of tvN's weekend drama 'The Tyrant's Chef' (directed by Jang Tae-yu, written by fGRD, planned by Studio Dragon, produced by Film Greeda, Jung Universe) aired on the 23rd, depicting a time-slip chef Yeon Ji-young (played by Im Yoon-a) and the tyrant Lee Heon (played by Lee Chae-min) from the past, leading to a transcendent meeting between the two.
The first episode recorded an average viewership rating of 5.1% in the metropolitan area, peaking at 6.7%, and an average of 4.9% nationwide, peaking at 6.8%, securing the top spot in the same time slot among cable and general programming channels, as well as ranking first in the viewership ratings for the first broadcast of tvN's weekend dramas in 2025.
In the target demographic of 2049 male and female viewers, it dominated the ratings in the metropolitan area, including all channels in the same time slot (based on paid platforms including cable, IPTV, and satellite / provided by Nielsen Korea).
Yeon Ji-young, scouted as the head chef of a three-star restaurant, boarded a plane back to Korea with the ancient book 'Mangunrok' that her father requested she bring to share joy with her family. While reading a passage from Mangunrok, she was drawn by an unknown force and fell into a strange forest, surprising everyone.
The place where Yeon Ji-young fell was the hunting ground of the tyrant Lee Heon, known as Yeon Hee-gun. Upon discovering Yeon Ji-young, who was dressed in a manner not seen in that era, Lee Heon mistook her for a ghostly woman (鬼女) and revealed his hostility, leading to a complicated first impression between the two.
Meanwhile, a traitor aiming for Lee Heon's life appeared, and Yeon Ji-young fell off a cliff with Lee Heon, who was struck by an assassin's arrow. Regaining her senses, Yeon Ji-young shocked everyone by binding the limbs of King Lee Heon, who treated her as a traitor, and dragging him around. The lighthearted banter between Lee Heon, who constantly claims to be a king, and Yeon Ji-young, who dismisses him, brought laughter.
After finally finding a home, Yeon Ji-young, with the help of the homeowner Seo Gil-geum (played by Yoon Seo-ah), prepared a delicious gochujang butter bibimbap using the gochujang and butter she had in her pocket. Lee Heon, who was wary of the unfamiliar appearance of the dish Yeon Ji-young made, became completely captivated by the spicy yet savory bibimbap. The vivid taste evaluation and visual appeal that evoked the flavor of bibimbap stimulated the viewers' appetites.
As Yeon Ji-young, having filled her stomach with bibimbap, headed towards the cliff to find her bag, Lee Heon ordered his guards who came looking for him to find Yeon Ji-young, saying, "There is a traitor nearby who has insulted me." It raises curiosity about whether Yeon Ji-young, who has incurred the wrath of the tyrant Lee Heon, will be able to save her life.
Thus, 'The Tyrant's Chef' offers deep immersion by depicting the dangerous journey of French chef Yeon Ji-young, who has fallen into the past, and the worst tyrant of the time, Lee Heon. The chemistry between Yeon Ji-young and Lee Heon, who find each other strange and bicker, is portrayed beyond expectations, lifting the viewers' spirits.
Above all, the unique transformations of the actors immersed in their characters drew attention. Im Yoon-a skillfully expressed the confused emotions of Yeon Ji-young, who arrived in a strange world, while Lee Chae-min portrayed the majesty of the tyrant Lee Heon with charisma. Their solid acting chemistry invigorated the back-and-forth exchanges between Yeon Ji-young and Lee Heon.
Additionally, director Jang Tae-yu's distinctive and stylish direction maximized the visuals of food and cooking, enhancing the viewing pleasure. Coupled with witty dialogue and a delightful story, it provided a rich visual experience akin to a 12-course meal. As a result, the sensory-satisfying drama 'The Tyrant's Chef' leaves viewers eagerly anticipating the next episode.
'The Tyrant's Chef' will air its second episode on the 24th at 9:10 PM.
[Kim Mi-ji, Star Today Reporter]
