The popular K-drama Tastefully Yours, starring Kang Ha-neul and Go Min-si, has sparked mixed reactions after Yoo Yeon-seok‘s extended cameo took significant screen time away from the main romance. Fans expected a brief appearance, but his role as Go Min-si’s ex-boyfriend has stretched across multiple episodes, leaving viewers frustrated.
The drama, which premiered on May 12, 2025, follows the story of Han Beom-woo (Kang Ha-neul), a food conglomerate heir, and Mo Yeon-joo (Go Min-si), a passionate chef. Their clash over culinary philosophies slowly turns into romance. However, the introduction of Yoo Yeon-seok’s character, Jeon Min, in Episode 5 shifted focus.
Originally teased as a cameo, Yoo Yeon-seok’s role expanded unexpectedly. His character is revealed as Yeon-joo’s ex, who asks her to return to Japan to help their former boss. This subplot has dominated Episodes 5 and 6, sidelining the main couple’s development. Fans took to social media to express their disappointment.
A kdrama with already a very limited number of episodes gave 3-4 episodes to some stupid ex bf plot, totally wasted Go Minsi and Kang Haneul’s potential and chemistry, sorry Beomwoo-Yeonjoo, I wasn’t your writer.
What kind of cameo gets more screen time than the male lead and supporting cast? I’m watching #TastefullyYours to relieve stress, laugh at the funny scenes, feel healed and enjoy the chemistry between #KangHaNeul and #GoMinSi along with the other characters.
The backlash intensified as viewers felt the ex-boyfriend storyline was unnecessary. Some criticized the lack of chemistry between Yoo Yeon-seok and Go Min-si, calling the scenes a waste of time. Others accused the writers of misleading fans by labeling Yoo’s role as a cameo when it became a major subplot.
The worst part of this is Go Min-si and Yoo Yeon-seok don’t even have chemistry. These scenes are just wasting everybody’s time.
I can’t believe they sidelined the MAIN COUPLE for a storyline about her ugly ex that is completely unnecessary. What a waste of their chemistry.
Despite the criticism, some fans enjoyed the humor and drama brought by Yoo Yeon-seok’s appearance. His character’s return revealed Yeon-joo’s past, including how she took the blame for a cooking mistake that forced her to leave her previous job. However, the extended focus on this backstory disrupted the pacing of the main romance.
In Episodes 5 and 6, Beom-woo grows jealous as Yeon-joo travels to Japan with Jeon Min. The drama also hints at a corporate merger involving Beom-woo’s family business and Jeon Min’s restaurant, adding another layer of conflict. Fans worry this detracts from the core love story they tuned in for.
That man is still gonna be in the next episode… it’s taking all of me not to punch the screen.
They lied to us and said Yoo Yeon-seok’s role is a cameo. Baby, that’s a SUPPORTING CHARACTER.
The controversy comes at a crucial time for Tastefully Yours, which has been gaining steady viewership. Episode 4 hit a nationwide rating of 3.1%, a series high. However, the shift in narrative focus risks alienating fans invested in Kang Ha-neul and Go Min-si’s chemistry.
Yoo Yeon-seok’s cameo also reignited discussions about his past comments on dating, which resurfaced online. Some viewers expressed discomfort with his involvement, while others defended his performance. The mixed reactions highlight the challenges of balancing surprise cameos with main storylines.
Such a waste of resources! The worst thing is that despite being a Yeon Seok fan, I don’t even enjoy watching him here. His cameo is the worst part that ruined the charm of this drama.
With only four episodes left, fans hope the story will refocus on Beom-woo and Yeon-joo’s romance. Upcoming episodes may reveal Beom-woo’s initial plan to steal recipes, adding further tension. Meanwhile, a hidden recipe book could play a key role in the finale.
Tastefully Yours airs new episodes every Monday and Tuesday on ENA and streams globally on Netflix.
Also Read:
Kang Ha Neul And Go Min Si’s “Tastefully Yours” Episodes 5-6: Release Details And What To Expect
Tastefully Yours Soars Globally, Becomes Second Most Watched Non-English Netflix Series
Second Shot At Love Holds Strong at Number One as Tastefully Yours Sees Ratings Climb