In the whirlwind success of tvN’s hit drama Bon Appétit, Your Majesty, which concluded on September 28, 2025, actress Yoon Seo Ah has emerged as a standout star. The actress, who played the loyal and sharp-witted palace maid Seo Gil Geum, recently opened up about the intense, last-minute journey of bringing her character to life, a role that almost didn’t happen.
The fantasy romance drama, starring Im Yoon Ah and Lee Chae Min, told the story of a modern chef who time-travels to the Joseon era. Yoon Seo Ah’s Gil Geum quickly became the main character’s closest confidant, with her unique dialect and extraordinary sense of smell making her a memorable part of the show’s success.
A Role That Almost Wasn’t
Yoon Seo Ah’s path to Bon Appétit, Your Majesty was a race against time. In a recent interview, the actress revealed that she received the script just three to four days before filming was set to begin.
“When Director Jang Tae-yoo called me, it felt like a dream,” Yoon recalled, describing the sudden opportunity that led to her being cast as Seo Gil Geum.
With almost no time to prepare, the actress had to quickly immerse herself in a character that was notably different from her previous roles. Unlike the refined characters she has played, Gil Geum was written as a tenacious and vibrant young woman hiding in the forest, requiring a much fiercer energy and exaggerated expressions.
Mastering a Dialect Against the Clock
One of the biggest challenges Yoon Seo Ah faced was mastering the Jeolla Province accent for her character. Instead of being daunted by the tight deadline, she took immediate and practical steps.
She reached out to her co-star Hong Jin Gi for help and even visited her grandmother in Yeosu to practice the local speech patterns at the market.
“I wrote everything down to memorize it faster,” she said, explaining her method for tackling the difficult dialect under pressure.
This dedication to authenticity paid off, as her character’s regional accent and curious nature became a beloved trait for viewers.
On-Screen Chemistry and Personal Connections
Yoon Seo Ah’s chemistry with lead actress Im Yoon Ah was a key element that made their on-screen bond feel genuine and memorable. Their friendship provided both comedic relief and emotional depth, helping the drama balance its tone between survival fantasy, romance, and mouth-watering culinary scenes.
Off-screen, the success of the drama became a family celebration for Yoon Seo Ah. She shared that her mother was overjoyed by the positive audience reactions and even sent her clips of fan responses.
“My dad proudly shared screenshots of the ratings too—it felt like a festival at home,” she laughed. “After hardships, this drama brought strength to my whole family.”
Savoring the On-Set Experience
As a character with a special ability for smell, Yoon Seo Ah found that she shared a similarity with Gil Geum in real life. She mentioned that she is also quite sensitive to smells and tastes, often guessing the dinner menu when she returns home.
During filming, she had the chance to taste the food props prepared by the prop team. She specifically noted the bibimbap and duck roll rosacea as being exceptionally delicious.
“Even while acting, the reaction came out naturally that it was really delicious,” she said.
However, there were some dishes, like the beef bourguignon, that only the king character was seen eating on screen, which she regretted not being able to try.
A Breakout Performance in a Hit Drama
Bon Appétit, Your Majesty proved to be a major success. The drama, which aired from August 23 to September 28, 2025, saw its ratings grow significantly, with the finale achieving a nationwide average of 17.1%. It also secured the number one spot on Netflix’s Global Top 10 list for non-English TV shows for two consecutive weeks, gaining international acclaim.
For Yoon Seo Ah, her powerful and last-minute performance as Seo Gil Geum demonstrated how a challenging situation can be transformed into a triumphant career moment. Her journey from a rushed casting call to becoming a fan-favorite character highlights her dedication and skill as a rising actress in the Korean entertainment industry.
Also Read: Yoona and Lee Chae Min’s Timeless Love in “Bon Appétit Your Majesty” Finale Hits High Ratings
Credits: en.sportschosun.com, mk.co.kr
