The popular tvN weekend drama 'Bon Appetit, Your Majesty' is building toward an emotional climax with just two episodes remaining, leaving viewers captivated by a romantic king's promise to cook bibimbap every morning for the woman he loves. The time-traveling romance has gripped audiences as they wonder whether the female protagonist will return to her modern life or stay in the past with her royal love.
The September 21 episode concluded on a deeply moving note as Yeon Ji-young, portrayed by Im Yoon-ah, and King Lee Heon, played by Lee Chae-min, grew closer following the resolution of a poisoning conspiracy that had threatened to destroy her reputation. Their developing romance has touched viewers' hearts and sparked intense discussion about the series' ultimate direction.
Viewership numbers reflect the drama's growing popularity among fans. Within tvN's key demographic of viewers aged 20 to 49, the show achieved an impressive average rating of 5.7 percent and peaked at 6.1 percent in the Seoul metropolitan area. Nationwide statistics were even stronger, with the drama earning an average of 6.1 percent and reaching a peak of 6.6 percent, securing first place across all channels in its time slot, including major terrestrial broadcasters, according to Nielsen Korea data.
The latest episode showcased intense palace intrigue and damaging rumors that shook the royal family to its core. Ji-young found herself facing increasing danger while King Heon desperately struggled to protect the woman who had captured his heart. The episode's most memorable moment occurred during a moonlit scene where Heon made a heartfelt confession of love, asking Ji-young to become his life partner with the tender promise: "If you become my companion, I will cook bibimbap for you every morning."
These touching words had a profound impact on Ji-young, causing her to reconsider her firm determination to return to her own time period. In a moment of vulnerability, she admitted, "Perhaps it's fine if I don't go back to my time and my world," suggesting that her feelings for the king might be strong enough to make her abandon her future life.
Social media platforms immediately exploded with enthusiastic viewer reactions following the romantic confession scene. Fans shared comments such as "One of the best casting choices ever," "Please give us a modern-day Season 2," and "A king who makes bibimbap every morning? Unreal, but perfect." Many viewers praised the proposal as "the most heartbreaking, beautiful and romantic scene they had ever watched," while others expressed their hopes by saying, "Please let the two just live happily ever after."
Significant attention has also focused on Lee Chae-min's remarkable performance, particularly considering he joined the cast just one month ago following Park Sung-hoon's unexpected withdrawal from the role. Despite having such a short preparation time to develop his character, Lee has successfully impressed audiences with his compelling acting skills and his excellent on-screen chemistry with Im Yoon-ah.
As Ji-young's internal conflict intensifies and she finds herself torn between her established life in the future and her rapidly growing love in the past, fans are actively speculating about various possible endings for the series. Online commenters have predicted multiple scenarios, ranging from King Lee Heon choosing to abdicate his throne in order to follow Ji-young into the present day, to both main characters somehow adapting to life together in the modern world.
Im Yoon-ah herself added to the anticipation during a recent appearance on the popular variety show 'You Quiz on the Block,' where she playfully teased viewers about the upcoming finale. She asked the audience, "Will Ji-young return to the present or remain in the past? If she does return, will she meet Heon again?" When directly asked whether the ending would be emotional enough to make viewers cry, she offered a cryptic hint: "Yes, I think there will be tears – in more ways than one."
The drama has demonstrated remarkable growth throughout its entire run, premiering with solid ratings of 4.9 percent and eventually peaking at an impressive 15.8 percent, showing consistent audience engagement and word-of-mouth success. With only two episodes remaining before the series conclusion, anticipation is reaching fever pitch as viewers eagerly await to see how the complex time-traveling romance will be resolved. Episode 11 is scheduled to air at 9:10 p.m. on September 27, bringing fans one step closer to discovering the fate of this beloved couple.
