Im Yoon-a has once again created a 'life character' through the tvN weekend drama 'The Tyrant's Chef'. Following its sweeping ratings and buzz, it has also secured the number one spot in the non-English TV show category on Netflix, instantly capturing the hearts of domestic and international viewers. The consecutive success of 'Big Mouth', 'King the Land', and now 'The Tyrant's Chef' is a testament to the strength of 'Actress Im Yoon-a'.
In this work, Im Yoon-a showcased her blossoming acting skills, effortlessly transitioning from romantic glances to cheerful comedic performances and serious cooking scenes. She has been perfectly established as an actress with the power to drive the narrative of the drama.
In 'The Tyrant's Chef', food is so central that it could be called the protagonist of the drama. Im Yoon-a performed most of these cooking scenes without a stunt double, providing viewers with a deep sense of immersion. In fact, it is reported that she personally cooked an astonishing 95% of the total filming footage, which has garnered admiration. Her continuous research and practice to look like a real chef, rather than just mimicking, truly shone through.
Director Jang Tae-yu, who helmed the project, also expressed admiration for Im Yoon-a's dedication. At the production presentation, he remarked on her casting, saying, “It was not a drama that a typical actor could do, as one needed experience in historical dramas and a sharp image to look like a chef while cooking. I wondered if there was an actor who could do this, and I hoped that if there was a 'want-to-be', it would be someone like Yoon-a. It felt like fate that we came together for this project, and she prepared so diligently. I was surprised at how much she personally handled.”
The original web novel's author, Park Guk-jae, also left a post on social media stating, “I can't think of anyone more suitable for the role of Yeon Ji-young than actress Im Yoon-a,” giving high praise for the character's synchronization.
As the director and original author mentioned, 'The Tyrant's Chef' might have been difficult to complete without Im Yoon-a.
Cultural critic Ha Jae-geun commented on 'The Tyrant's Chef', saying, “The setting of a modern French chef going to Joseon and meeting a tyrant is very intriguing,” and added, “Moreover, the lead and supporting actors all perform their roles well, which I believe is a factor in its popularity.”
He further noted, “Especially, Im Yoon-a, as the protagonist, is very well-centered and leads the work,” and added, “Her chemistry with Lee Chae-min also stabilizes the piece.”
Starting with a rating of 4.9% (Nielsen Korea nationwide) for its first episode, 'The Tyrant's Chef' has continued to rise, breaking its own highest ratings with each episode.
The 10th episode, aired on the 21st, recorded a peak rating of 15.8%, achieving the highest score among mini-series aired this year, solidifying its status as a 'trend drama'. With only two episodes left, there is anticipation for whether it can continue to break its own highest ratings.
Now capturing the global audience, Im Yoon-a was undoubtedly at the center of 'The Tyrant's Chef', marking the clear opening of the Im Yoon-a era.
[Kim Mi-ji, Star Today Reporter]
