In the world of K-dramas, on-screen chemistry often defies the numbers on a birth certificate. The hit tvN drama “Bon Appétit, Your Majesty” paired Girls’ Generation’s YoonA, a veteran idol-actress born in 1990, with rising rookie Lee Chae Min, who was born in 2000. Despite the ten-year age difference between the two stars, their partnership has been defined by mutual professional respect and collaborative spirit, with YoonA’s extensive experience setting a positive tone on set.
The On-Screen Partnership
“Bon Appétit, Your Majesty” is a fantasy romance where YoonA plays Yeon Ji Young, an award-winning French chef who time-travels 500 years into the past. There, she meets King Lee Heon, a tyrant with a refined palate, played by Lee Chae Min. The drama, which concluded successfully on September 29, captivated audiences with its unique blend of historical setting, cooking sequences, and romantic plot.
YoonA highlighted several key scenes that were crucial for her character and the story’s development. She pointed to “the scenes of her first meeting with Lee Heon, the moment she puts the royal kitchen chefs in line, and when Yeon Ji Young hears Lee Heon’s confession and realizes she doesn’t have to go back.” She described these as “important moments that reveal and develop the characters’ relationships.”
The production required significant preparation, particularly for the cooking scenes that are central to the plot. YoonA dedicated herself to this aspect, training for three months and performing an impressive 95% of her own cooking scenes for the drama, which helped create a genuine and heartfelt feeling for the show.
Navigating the Age Difference
The ten-year age gap between YoonA and Lee Chae Min sparked discussion among fans. Some viewers noted that while Yoona looks youthful, the age difference was perceptible. However, many more comments online focused on their strong performance together. One prevalent sentiment was that “Age doesn’t matter at all. It’s the chemistry between actors that make a series successful or fail.” Another fan observed, “Usually I’ve seen so much man dating 10 years younger woman, so it’s the same as woman dating 10 years younger man,” pointing out a double standard sometimes present in audience perceptions.
This conversation reflects a broader societal shift. New data from Tinder shows a 96 percent year-on-year increase in mentions of ‘younger men’ in bios on the app. Dating expert Sera Bozza comments that this is a sign of changing power dynamics, explaining, “For women, confidence is a big driver. More women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s are financially independent, sexually self-aware, and done playing supporting roles.” She adds that media portrayals are helping to normalize these relationships, moving away from old stereotypes.
Lee Chae Min’s Rising Performance
For Lee Chae Min, who only debuted in 2021, “Bon Appétit, Your Majesty” was a significant opportunity to work with an established star. He earned praise for his portrayal of the complex king, with one fan noting he “truly surprised everyone with his performance.”
Lee Chae Min selected a scene from episode 11 as his personal favorite, describing it as “the turning point that explains how Lee Heon became who he is now.” He noted it was “the scene that I poured in the most energy and emotion into,” showing his deep investment in the character’s development. Reports also indicate that Lee Chae Min valued the supportive environment on set, praising YoonA for her encouragement.
A Positive Collaboration
The successful collaboration between YoonA and Lee Chae Min demonstrates that in creative partnerships, professional maturity and a shared commitment to the work can easily bridge an age difference. The director of the drama, Jang Tae Yoo, pinpointed the moment when Lee Heon says, “I’ve chosen you,” as “the scene that firmly establishes the drama as a romance,” a moment made believable by the actors’ performances.
The focus remained squarely on their shared goal of creating a compelling drama. As one fan succinctly put it regarding age gaps, “And if he was older than her, nobody would care. They have great chemistry that’s all that matters.“
Also Read: Bon Appétit, Your Majesty Finale: Fans Celebrate Happy Ending But Have One Big Question
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