 |
| 'Bon Appetit, Your Majesty' |
After one day of its release on Netflix, the new K-drama 'Bon Appetit, Your Majesty' ranked on Netflix top 10 TV show in 93 countries. Top 1 in 42 Countries and Top 1 Worldwide! (Aug.28)
I tried not to watch it until I could binge-watch it, but I ended up watching this drama. Honestly, it's fun. This drama occasionally brings to mind various other dramas. The scene where the female protagonist suddenly loses consciousness and falls into a mountain reminds me of "Crash Landing on You," and the concept of a modern man suddenly being transported to a different era brings to mind "Mr. Queen."(The difference, of course, is that the gender changes.) Another one, the setting of the female protagonist who unintentionally travels back in time and the hints of the palace infighting and fighting that are sure to occur soon bring to mind the drama "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo." Furthermore, a scene featuring Joseon Dynasty food brings back memories of "Dae Jang Geum." However, this déjà vu doesn't bother me at all, as the drama's unique charm is evident. In fact, the writer and director seem to be confident and resolute in pushing forward. I was a little worried when the male lead, originally slated for Park Sung-hoon, was suddenly replaced by Lee Chae-min. While Lee Chae-min had already shown noteworthy performances in "Hierarchy" and "Crash Course in Romance", his relatively small number of projects left me wondering if he could handle a large-scale, historical drama, unlike his usual high-teen dramas. However, I was pleasantly surprised after watching the first episode. His acting improved significantly in such a short period of time. As a former member of the directing team, I personally value the actor's eye acting and vocal delivery. He started off comedically, but then exploded with emotion in episode 2 when the story about his mother came up. It was a scene that demonstrated the breadth of this actor's acting ability. With only two episodes were released, it's a bit premature to judge the drama itself. My biggest worry is that it starts off strong, then loses steam in the middle, degenerating into a mediocre drama. "Beyond the Bar" is currently standing on the edge, but as it is a comedy historical drama that has finally come out, I hope it will maintain its current level of perfection until the very end.
1. 'Bon Appetit, Your Majesty' : Webtoon & Web Novel vs. Drama Adaptation
Original Webtoon / Web Novel
This drama was already popular as a webtoon and web novel. Let's take a look at the differences.
Tone & Genre: The webtoon is closer to satire and black comedy. It highlights Yeonsan’s cruelty and eccentricities, with exaggerated depictions of his tyranny. The humour often comes from the absurd clash between a modern chef’s sensibilities and a violent monarch’s world.
Characterisation of Yeonsan: In the webtoon, Yeonsan is drawn as unpredictable, erratic, and darkly humorous. He is ruthless yet oddly charismatic, often using intimidation for both comedy and shock value.
Chef’s Role: The chef is primarily a survivalist. His goal is to avoid execution by cooking dishes that appeal to Yeonsan’s shifting moods. The story emphasises wit, irony, and the danger of living under a capricious ruler.
Drama Adaptation (2025)
Tone & Genre: The drama softens the satire into a fusion of historical fantasy, comedy, and light melodrama. Instead of purely mocking Yeonsan, it explores his inner vulnerabilities.
Characterisation of Yeonsan: More humanised. He is portrayed as a deeply scarred man, shaped by political betrayal and trauma. While still feared, the drama adds layers of loneliness and desperation, making him less of a caricature and more of a tragic anti-hero.
Chef’s Role: In the drama, the chef becomes a catalyst for Yeonsan’s transformation. Through food, he introduces not only flavours but also empathy, subtly questioning tyranny. The focus is less on survival comedy and more on emotional connection.
Audience Appeal: By softening Yeonsan’s cruelty, the drama aims for wider popularity, appealing to both historical drama fans and audiences who prefer character-driven narratives with a touch of humour.
👉 Key Difference in Adaptation:
Webtoon: Dark humour, survival satire, Yeonsan as a frightening tyrant.
Drama: Balanced portrayal, emotional depth, Yeonsan as a flawed human being capable of change.
2. Prince Yeonsan (연산군): Life & Traits
Early Life
Born in 1476 as the son of King Seongjong and Queen Yun.
His mother, Queen Yun, was executed after palace intrigue, though as a child Yeonsan was initially shielded from this fact.
Reign (1494–1506)
When he eventually discovered the truth about his mother’s death, Yeonsan’s personality shifted dramatically.
He carried out brutal purges against scholars who had supported her downfall, notably the Literati Purges (사화), eliminating opposition from Confucian officials.
He was notorious for suppressing freedom of speech and silencing criticism, a rarity in the Confucian monarchy where remonstrance was usually tolerated.
Traits & Characteristics
Cruelty & Violence: His reign is remembered as one of terror. He executed or exiled many officials, creating a climate of fear.
Excessive Indulgence: He poured state resources into pleasure palaces, extravagant banquets, and the arts of indulgence.
Emotional Instability: Records describe him as erratic, quick to anger, and prone to suspicion, partly fuelled by trauma over his mother’s death.
Contradictions: Despite his brutality, some historians argue he was intelligent and perceptive, but consumed by paranoia and resentment.
Downfall: In 1506, ministers staged a coup, dethroning him. He died in exile soon after, leaving a legacy as one of Korea’s most notorious tyrants.
3. Recent Portrayals in Drama and Film
1. Bon Appetit, Your Majesty (폭군의 셰프, 2025)
In this fantasy-historical drama, Yeonsan is depicted with a more nuanced personality.
While still a tyrant in name, the story humanises him by exploring his vulnerabilities through his encounters with a modern chef who travels back in time.
The drama contrasts with the webtoon original, which portrays him in a slightly darker, more satirical light. The screen version softens his cruelty, making him a conflicted figure rather than a mere villain.
2. The King and the Clown (왕의 남자, film 2005)
Although not very recent, this award-winning film remains one of the most famous depictions.
Yeonsan is portrayed as volatile, insecure, and emotionally unstable, torn between political power and personal desires.
His relationship with the travelling performers highlights his loneliness and inner turmoil.
3. Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People (역적: 백성을 훔친 도적, 2017 drama)
Yeonsan is shown as a tyrant blinded by paranoia and hedonism.
The drama emphasises his decadence and cruelty, particularly his obsession with women and power.
He serves as the antagonist, contrasting sharply with the hero Hong Gil-dong, who fights for the people.
4. The Treacherous (간신, 2015 film)
This film presents Yeonsan as excessively indulgent and depraved, exploring his obsession with pleasure and control.
It is one of the darkest portrayals, highlighting his dependence on cunning courtiers who manipulate his excesses for their own gain.
5. Lovers of the Red Sky (홍천기, 2021 drama) – loosely inspired
While not a direct historical adaptation, some traits of Yeonsan’s paranoia and unstable temperament are woven into the fictionalised monarch character.