Fans of the hit K-drama Bon Appétit Your Majesty were treated to a happy ending for Chef Yeon Ji-young and King Yi Heon, but the finale’s unanswered questions have left many hoping for more. The show’s stars, Lee Chae-min and YoonA, have now addressed the possibility of a second season.
The Finale’s Bittersweet Reception
The tvN weekend drama wrapped up on September 28, 2025. The finale episode, titled “Course N° 12 Hwanseban,” delivered the romantic conclusion fans were hoping for: a reunion between Yi Heon and Ji-young in the modern day, sealed with a kiss and a promise of bibimbap.
However, many viewers expressed frustration that the finale felt rushed. A significant point of contention was the lack of explanation for how Yi Heon managed to travel from the Joseon era to modern-day Seoul to find Ji-young. The drama did not explore his journey or his adaptation to the 21st century, leaving a narrative gap that fans are eager to see filled.
Official Word on Season 2
Despite the story’s potential for continuation, Bon Appétit, Your Majesty has not been officially renewed for a second season. In post-show interviews, the lead actors confirmed they have not received any news about a follow-up.
YoonA shared her thoughts, stating her satisfaction with the ending but openness to a return.
“I’m satisfied. I think it’s the ending everyone dreams of. I think it’s a beautiful ending,” she told TenAsia. She added, “I haven’t heard anything about a second season yet. I guess we’ll know when we hear about it, but if the story continues and all the actors can come together again, I’d love to do it.”
Lee Chae-min echoed this sentiment, expressing his own curiosity about what a second season could explore.
“Judging by the response, people were asking, ‘Why aren’t you doing Season 2?’ It made me realize how much they enjoyed it. I’m also curious about what a Season 2 would be like,” he said. He also shared his personal speculation: “I’ve also thought, ‘Will this be Yi Heon’s time to adapt to the modern era?’ But I think it’s right for Yi Heon to end up in a historical drama.”
Lee Chae-min also expressed a desire to work with YoonA again in the future, noting the positive experience on set.
Why a Second Season Faces Hurdles
The search for a continuation reveals several reasons why Season 2 is not guaranteed. The drama was released and marketed as a limited series, which are typically designed as one-and-done stories. Furthermore, the show is an adaptation of a web novel that does not have a sequel, leaving no existing source material for a new chapter.
While the show was a major ratings success for tvN, achieving a nationwide average of 17.1% for its finale, the structure of the Korean drama industry means most series are produced as single-season stories. Exceptions are rare, making a renewal an uphill battle.
Fan Reactions and Remaining Questions
The audience response to the finale was mixed. While many were delighted by the romantic payoff, others felt the shortened 12-episode format forced the story to conclude too quickly. Online forums were filled with viewers pointing out underdeveloped plot points in the final episodes.
The finale did create several openings for a new season. A potential Season 2 could explore:
- How Yi Heon survived and used the Mangunrok to time travel.
- His comedic and heartfelt struggles to adapt to modern life.
- The fates of other characters, such as whether Prince Jin-myeong became a wise king.
- The deeper meaning behind the modern-day reincarnations of Ji-young’s Joseon kitchen staff.
Also Read: Lee Chae Min Says He Felt Shy Filming Kiss Scene with YoonA in Bon Appétit Your Majesty
