This is the textbook example of what a Korean Joseon-era historical romantic comedy should be. It was a high-end entertainment piece packed with elements like Alchemy of Souls-level humor, thrills, and moving moments that make you cry.

"The Tyrant's Chef"Chef"

August 2025 Korean tvN DramaNetflix Streaming Now

[Characters]

Yeon Ji-young - Cast: Yoona
A genius French cuisine chef who time-leaped to the Joseon Dynasty. In the modern day, she was the head chef of a three-star restaurant.

Lee Hong - Cast: Lee Chae-min
The young king of the Joseon Dynasty. While feared as a tyrant of the ages, he is also a gourmet with an absolute sense of taste.

Based on the 10th King of Joseon, Yeonsangun.

I finished watching the final episode.
At first, I thought it was just another common time-leap court romantic comedy in Korean dramas, so I didn't have high expectations, but it turned out to be a huge dark horse.

What was so good about this drama?
1. The character settings were solid, and the cast was beautiful.
2. The ending was different from typical time-leap stories.
3. The acting and visual representation of the Joseon people eating modern food with happy expressions were truly delightful.
4. I was captivated by the heroine, a modern three-star chef who becomes a court cook, wins the favor of the gourmet Joseon king, and overcomes numerous impossible challenges.

I like Korean dramas and watch them often.
I also enjoy the Joseon Dynasty historical dramas for their costumes, culture, and the power struggles between kings, which are different from Japan's.
The way it properly depicts human desire and ugliness, with clear distinctions between good and evil, was thrilling to watch.

It is rare for a drama to have such a drastic change between its first impression and its final impression.

I'm glad I found such a good work.

Well then, until next time.