The tvN fantasy period drama 'Bon Appetit, Your Majesty' has become one of the most talked-about series of the season, capturing viewers' attention with its over-the-top visual effects that have been dubbed 'crazy CGI' online. However, behind all the spectacle lies the genuine dedication and depth of its cast, particularly lead actress Im Yoon-ah and co-star Lee Chae-min, who truly brought the story to life through their committed performances.
Im Yoon-ah, who plays chef Yeon Ji-young in the series, demonstrated remarkable dedication to her role by enduring real cuts from knife work and shoulder pain from handling heavy props during filming. Her commitment to authenticity extended to extensive culinary training, where she learned to prepare various dishes including yukgaejang (spicy beef soup) and Vietnamese spring rolls. 'I even cut myself while chopping ingredients, but doing it myself was a huge help,' Im said with a laugh, reflecting on her hands-on approach to the character.
The actress spoke warmly about her working relationship with co-star Lee Chae-min, praising his professionalism and preparation. 'He came prepared in a short amount of time, which made it easy and enjoyable to build chemistry together,' Im explained. 'He's a very diligent person who always wants to do things perfectly, and that really showed in his performance.' Despite their age difference, the two actors shared mature conversations and maintained a relaxed working dynamic that brought positive energy to the entire set.
Describing her character, Im emphasized Yeon Ji-young's importance to the story's various characters. 'Yeon Ji-young was someone indispensable to everyone – from the Queen Dowager to Lee Heon. She was a chef whose skills exceeded expectations.' As a food enthusiast in real life, Im found the role particularly engaging and took full advantage of the opportunity to expand her culinary skills through professional training and practice.
Many of the drama's most memorable comedic moments emerged from spontaneous collaboration between the cast and crew. 'Whenever I had an idea, I would discuss it with the director and other actors first,' Im revealed. 'The director was very open to ad-libs, so it was a joy to create scenes together.' This collaborative and spontaneous atmosphere allowed numerous creative ideas to be incorporated directly into the script, contributing significantly to the show's vibrant and engaging tone.
When asked about similarities between herself and her character, Im noted their shared determination. 'We're alike in that we never give up, no matter the situation. Ji-young is braver and more fearless than I am, but when I look back on my career, I think we share a lot in common.' This connection helped Im bring authenticity and depth to her portrayal of the determined chef.
Reflecting on the success of her recent projects, Im remained characteristically humble about her achievements. 'Good results don't come from my efforts alone – they're the result of the project, the character, and the teamwork with everyone involved,' she explained. 'Success isn't something I can control, but at least it proves that the work I've put in so far hasn't been in vain, and I'm grateful for that.'
The drama's lavish and comedic visual effects, which sparked widespread online discussions and jokes about 'crazy CGI,' impressed even the cast members themselves. 'I was amazed the first time I saw them. It made me certain of the tone our drama was going for,' Im said. 'I thought it might be polarizing, but many viewers ended up loving it.' The bold visual choices ultimately became one of the show's most distinctive and beloved features.
Regarding the possibility of a second season, Im expressed appreciation for the positive audience response while remaining cautious about future plans. 'I haven't heard anything yet, but I'm grateful people enjoyed our chemistry. I'm happy that more people than I imagined supported the show,' she concluded, showing gratitude for the unexpected level of viewer support and engagement the series has received.
