South Korean actress Im Yoon-ah has solidified her reputation as one of Korea's most dependable romantic comedy stars with the conclusion of tvN's fantasy historical drama "Bon Appétit, Your Majesty." The series finale aired on Sunday, achieving a remarkable nationwide rating of 17.1 percent, marking it as the highest-rated miniseries of the year after starting with just 4.9 percent. The show's success extended beyond domestic borders, topping Netflix's non-English global chart for two consecutive weeks.

The drama tells the captivating story of Yeon Ji-young, a professionally trained French chef who mysteriously falls back in time to Korea's Joseon Dynasty period (1392-1910). Once there, she becomes the royal cook for King Yi Heon, portrayed by Lee Chae-min, a tyrannical ruler known for his sophisticated culinary tastes. Under the direction of Jang Tae-yoo, acclaimed for previous works "Tree with Deep Roots" (2011) and "My Love from the Star" (2013), the series masterfully blends historical drama with elements of comedy, action, and romance, enhanced by comic book-style visual effects that brought the elaborate food scenes to life.

Im's commitment to authenticity in her role went far beyond typical acting preparation. She dedicated six months to intensive culinary training, determined to perform all kitchen scenes without the assistance of a body double. "Starting last summer, I studied cooking-related works for image training," Im explained during an interview at Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel, where the finale was filmed. "From three months before filming began, I attended culinary school to practice basic knife skills and took Korean cooking courses. I also received specialized lessons in Western cuisine from an executive chef at a five-star hotel."

The extensive preparation paid off as Im convincingly prepared an impressive array of dishes on screen, ranging from sophisticated Western cuisine like sous vide steak and beef bourguignon to delicate French pastries like macarons and traditional Korean dishes such as chicken soup. "When we filmed the cooking competition scenes, the entire cast would taste each dish and have heated debates over which was the best," she recalled with a smile. "Personally, I even asked for the recipe for the doenjang pasta because it was so delicious."

Im's natural comedic timing shone throughout the series, particularly in a memorable scene where her character, after getting drunk, enthusiastically performs Seo Taiji and Boys' "Come Back Home" while dancing with the palace's court cooks. When asked about her talent for comedy, which she has previously demonstrated in films like "Confidential Assignment" (2017) and "Exit" (2019), she attributed it to finding the right balance. "It comes from achieving harmony between my own expression, the overall tone of the work, and the chemistry I develop with the other actors," she explained.

The project held special significance for Im, not only due to the extensive preparation required but also because of its emotional depth and complexity. The series finale presented a bittersweet conclusion where King Yi Heon is dethroned following a rebellion, and his mysterious diary, the Mang Un-rok, transports Ji-young back to the modern world. The two characters are eventually reunited when Yi, carrying memories from their past life together, manages to cross into the present timeline.

While some viewers expressed mixed feelings about the ending, questioning whether the so-called "happy ending" felt somewhat evasive, Im firmly disagreed with these criticisms. "To me, it was absolutely a happy ending. I was completely satisfied with how everything concluded," she stated emphatically. The actress's satisfaction with the finale reflects her deep investment in the character's journey and the story's resolution.

This project marks Im's highly anticipated return to television after a seven-year absence, and the overwhelmingly positive reception has reaffirmed her versatility as an actress. Both ratings success and critical acclaim have validated her decision to take on this challenging role. "I didn't realize people would love the show this much," she admitted. "Whenever I encounter people now, they ask me, 'How can Daeryeong Sook-su cook so well?' That's when I truly understood the show's popularity and impact."

Looking toward the future, Im expressed her hope that her performance demonstrated the consistency and dedication she strives to bring to every role. "My goal has always been to deliver acting that makes people nod in recognition and connection," she reflected. "This time, I feel like I've been recognized for my persistence and hard work, and I'm incredibly grateful for that acknowledgment." While she doesn't have her next project lined up yet, Im remains open to opportunities that will allow her to showcase new facets of her acting abilities and continue growing as a performer.