The Korean drama 'Bon Appetit, Your Majesty' has emerged as tvN's most successful series of 2025, delivering a crucial ratings revival for the cable network that was once known as the undisputed king of hit Korean dramas. The period romantic comedy has breathed new life into a channel that had been struggling with disappointing viewership numbers after years of producing blockbuster hits.
According to Nielsen Korea's latest data, the series reached a remarkable milestone with its sixth episode on Sunday, achieving a series-high nationwide viewership rating of 12.7 percent. This outstanding performance represents the highest rating achieved by any tvN drama so far this year, marking a significant turnaround for the network's 2025 programming slate.
The success of 'Bon Appetit, Your Majesty' becomes even more impressive when viewed in the context of tvN's current challenges. Out of the 12 different dramas that tvN has broadcast throughout 2025, this series stands alone as the only production to successfully break into double-digit viewership territory, highlighting just how difficult the television landscape has become for the once-dominant network.
This ratings triumph represents a desperately needed comeback for tvN, a network that built its reputation on producing some of Korea's most beloved and internationally successful series. The channel has been home to cultural phenomena including the entire 'Reply' franchise, the global sensation 'Crash Landing on You,' the critically acclaimed historical epic 'Mr. Sunshine,' and the fantasy romance 'Guardian: The Lonely and Great God,' all of which became defining moments in Korean television history.
While tvN enjoyed considerable success in 2024 with standout titles such as 'Lovely Runner,' 'Queen of Tears,' and 'Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born' – all of which delivered impressive results both domestically and internationally – the network has faced significant challenges in maintaining that winning streak throughout 2025. The emergence of 'Bon Appetit, Your Majesty' as a breakout hit provides much-needed relief and confidence for the network's future programming strategy.
The series' remarkable success has also had a positive impact on investor sentiment surrounding Studio Dragon, the production powerhouse responsible for creating many of tvN's biggest hits over the years. After experiencing a sluggish first half of the year, Studio Dragon's performance expectations are now climbing thanks to the unexpected triumph of this latest production.
Financial analysts have taken notice of the drama's impressive performance metrics. In a detailed report released on Thursday, Daishin Securities researcher Kim Hoe-jae highlighted that 'Bon Appetit, Your Majesty' has significantly exceeded Studio Dragon's long-term average rating of 6.3 percent, with the series' fourth episode alone drawing an impressive 11.1 percent viewership rating.
Kim further emphasized that these numbers become even more remarkable when considering the current viewing landscape, noting that the show's audience is actually split between traditional television viewing and simultaneous streaming on Netflix. This dual-platform release strategy means that the true scope of the series' popularity extends beyond the traditional Nielsen ratings, making its broadcast television success all the more impressive.
At the heart of 'Bon Appetit, Your Majesty' is a compelling time-travel romance that showcases the talents of two prominent Korean entertainers. The series stars Lim Yoona, a member of the internationally successful girl group Girls' Generation, who takes on the role of Ji-young, a highly skilled and accomplished modern chef who finds herself mysteriously transported back through time to Korea's historical past.
Opposite Yoona is Lee Chae-min, who portrays Lee Heon, a tyrannical king from the past who, despite his harsh ruling style, possesses an incredibly sophisticated and refined palate for fine cuisine. The dynamic between these two characters – a modern culinary expert and an ancient ruler with exquisite taste – forms the emotional and comedic backbone of the entire series.
Industry experts attribute the series' runaway popularity to its masterful ability to weave together multiple elements that define contemporary Korean cultural exports. The show seamlessly combines the growing global fascination with Korean cuisine, capitalizes on the international appeal of K-pop through Yoona's star power, and incorporates the classic romantic storytelling tropes that have made K-dramas beloved worldwide.
The timing of the series' success appears particularly strategic, as it taps into the global buzz and cultural momentum generated by other recent Korean hits that have captured international attention. Productions like the competitive cooking reality show 'Culinary Class Wars' and the supernatural music series 'KPop Demon Hunters' have helped create a cultural moment that 'Bon Appetit, Your Majesty' has been able to successfully ride and amplify.
Beyond its cultural timing, critics and audiences have praised the series for its distinctive focus on culinary artistry, which sets it apart from typical historical dramas. The show's detailed attention to food preparation, presentation, and the cultural significance of cuisine in Korean history has resonated with viewers both domestically and internationally. Additionally, the series' expertly crafted comedic elements and timing have been widely credited as key factors in its breakout success, providing the perfect balance to its romantic and dramatic moments.
