To fully become the master chef Colonel Yeon Ji-young in the tvN drama Bon Appétit, Your Majesty, actress Yoona didn’t just act—she trained. The star undertook special preparation with a five-star chef to bring authenticity and skill to her role as the leader of the palace kitchen.
Behind the Scenes of the Kitchen Training
Yoona’s preparation was crucial for her role as a time-slip character from modern times who becomes a master in the historical royal kitchen, or suragan. The drama highlights her character’s modern cooking techniques and unique leadership, which help her overcome challenges and inspire her team. To portray this convincingly, Yoona worked with a professional chef to learn specific culinary skills, from knife work to the precise presentation of royal dishes.
This hands-on training allowed her to perform cooking scenes with genuine confidence. The effort ensures that every slice of the knife and every plate she presents on screen looks authentic, helping viewers believe in her character’s expertise.
Meet the Royal Kitchen Dream Team
Yoona’s character, Yeon Ji-young, does not work alone. She leads a diverse and skilled team in the suragan, each with their own unique talents that make them a formidable group in the national cooking competition depicted in the show.
The team includes senior masters Eom Bong-sik and Maeng Man-soo, who bring years of experience and exceptional knife skills. Another key member is Seo Gil-geum, who has a powerful sense of smell to find the freshest ingredients and is rapidly improving her cutting techniques. Rounding out the team are Shim Mak-jin and Min Ga-deok, who manage the kitchen’s fire and rice and provide vital support and comic relief. Together, they form a well-balanced team with strong cooking skills, foreign language ability, and a good sense of humor.
The Show’s Delicious Rise in Popularity
Since its premiere, Bon Appétit, Your Majesty has been cooking up success. The show airs on tvN on Saturday and Sunday nights. In the storyline, the suragan team, led by Yoona’s character, is currently competing in a high-stakes national cooking contest against skilled chefs from the Ming dynasty.
The drama has successfully blended the appeal of historical setting with the universal love of food, creating a series that is both visually beautiful and engaging. The teamwork and growth of the royal kitchen staff have become a central and beloved part of the show’s narrative.
Also Read: How Bon Appétit Your Majesty Became a Global Hit on Netflix
Credits: en.sportschosun.com, tvN
