The historical fantasy romance Bon Appétit Your Majesty has claimed the number one spot on Netflix’s Global Non-English TV chart, becoming the most-watched non-English series worldwide for the week of September 8–14, 2025. Starring Im YoonA of Girls’ Generation and rising actor Lee Chae Min, the show has captivated audiences in 44 countries and continues to break viewership records both domestically and internationally.
Global Achievement and Record-Breaking Performance
Bon Appétit Your Majesty achieved 6.8 million views during the week of September 8–14, securing the top position on Netflix’s non-English TV chart. This marks the second time YoonA has led this chart, following the success of her previous drama King The Land in 2023. She is now the only Korean actor to achieve this milestone twice with shows that are not Netflix originals.
The series premiered on August 23, 2025, and has remained in Netflix’s Global Top 10 for four consecutive weeks. It also ranked number one in countries including Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, and Vietnam. In the United States, the show peaked at number four on Netflix’s Top 10 list, a rare accomplishment for a K-drama this year.
Domestic Popularity and Critical Acclaim
On Korean television, Bon Appétit Your Majesty has dominated ratings. The eighth episode, aired on September 14, recorded a nationwide viewership rating of 15.4%, making it the most-watched tvN drama of 2025. The show has consistently ranked number one in its time slot since its premiere.
The drama also tops South Korea’s TV-OTT comprehensive popularity rankings, as measured by Good Data Corporation’s FUNdex. Both YoonA and Lee Chae Min have held the number one position in the actor popularity category for three consecutive weeks.
Story and Characters
Bon Appétit, Your Majesty follows the story of Yeon Ji Young (played by YoonA), a French-trained chef who wins a prestigious cooking competition only to be mysteriously transported back in time to the Joseon era. She finds herself serving as the royal chef to King Yi Heon (played by Lee Chae Min), a tyrant known for his exceptional culinary tastes and ruthless rule.
The series blends modern cooking techniques with historical traditions, as Ji Young uses her skills to survive and navigate palace politics. Her innovative dishes, such as gochujang butter bibimbap and sous-vide cuisine, gradually help the king rediscover emotions and memories tied to food.
Director Jang Tae Yoo explained the show’s unique appeal:
“The lead isn’t just a chef in name—food is at the heart of the story. A king who changes through food, the relationship between cuisine and politics, between food and romance. This is a story born from the hands of a chef.”
Behind the Scenes and Preparation
YoonA and Lee Chae Min underwent extensive training to prepare for their roles. YoonA attended a cooking academy for three months to learn professional knife skills and food preparation techniques. Lee Chae Min trained daily in horseback riding, archery, and physical conditioning to portray the charismatic yet conflicted king.
The production team worked with culinary professors and food stylists to design and film each dish authentically. Director Jang emphasized the effort put into making the food visuals appealing and realistic for viewers.
Fan and Critical Reception
Audiences and critics have praised the chemistry between YoonA and Lee Chae Min, as well as the show’s creative fusion of food, history, and romance. One viewer noted:
“The show is everything I didn’t know I needed—romance, comedy, history, food, and just the right amount of chaos.”
Forbes highlighted the drama’s multilayered appeal, noting that while the lead actors’ chemistry is undeniable, the real star might be the meticulously plated dishes that play a central role in the story.
Cultural Impact and Future Episodes
Bon Appétit, Your Majesty is based on the web novel Surviving as Yeonsan-gun’s Chef by Park Kook-jae. The series airs every Saturday and Sunday on tvN and is available for streaming on Netflix. With four episodes remaining, fans are eagerly waiting to see how the story unfolds for Ji Young and King Yi Heon.
Also Read: Bon Appétit Your Majesty Episodes 9 and 10 Release Date and What to expect
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