Cancel your bank holiday plans to binge South Korean series racing up Netflix chart

If you had plans this for this August Bank Holiday Monday, forget about them – a new Netflix South Korean series is storming up the streamer’s chart.

Bon Appétit, Your Majesty dropped on the streaming platform on Saturday, August 23, and has already found itself in the UK top 10.

The romantic drama series follows the story of a South Korean chef, specialising in French cuisine, who unexpectedly travels in time to the distant past after winning a cooking competition.

After the time slip sends her back several centuries, she then meets King Lee Heon of Joseon, who is regarded as both ‘the best gourmet and the worst tyrant’.

The series is created by the Studio Dragon production company, which has partnered with Netflix in the past for shows such as Crash Landing On You and It’s Okay Not To Be Okay.

The first two episodes of Bon Appétit, Your Majesty are available to stream now, with the second episode improving on the viewing figures of the series premiere in South Korea.

It stars Im Yoon-ah as French culinary expert Yeon Ji-yeong, Lee Chae-min as Lee Heon, and Kang Han-na as the King of Joseon’s concubine Kang Mok-ju.

Joseon royal family member Prince Je Seon, secretly aiming to take the throne for himself, is played by Choi Gwi-hwa, who Squid Game fans will recognise as Player 203.

A synopsis of the series reads: ‘Chef Yeon Ji-yeong, a perfectionist French-trained chef at the peak of her culinary career, who is suddenly transported back in time to the royal palace.

‘There, she’s forced to cook for an infamously temperamental tyrant, King Yi Heon, a ruler with a killer palate and a deadly temper.’

It continues: ‘Yeon Ji-yeong is a modern woman caught in a cutthroat world of palace politics, survival cooking, and unexpected romance. Her mission?

‘Survive the royal kitchen, win over the impossible King, and maybe, just maybe, rewrite the future.’

Netflix subscribers are already excited, with @Silly_Love saying on X: ‘Episode one was so good – it’s been months since I enjoyed a romcom K-drama. There’s no dull moment, it’s all like rollercoaster ride. Peak comedy and there’s a spark.’

@FarahaCreations praised the acting: ‘This might just be Lee Chae-min’s best performance and project so far! His acting has improved so much, he’s really shining.’

Elsewhere, @ZaitBYeon said: ‘This drama is for us romcom enthusiasts. I can’t believe I have finally found a drama to get me out my K-drama slump this year. It’s so good, I can’t for the next episodes.’

@KDramasFilm praised the show’s attention to detail: ‘It’s refreshing to see a character time-travel in their original state. She even had her phone and bag, though it didn’t last long.’

Things are looking good for the future of the series after episode one brought in impressive viewing figures, before episode two went one better the following week.

In South Korea, the first episode was watched by almost 5% of TV viewers in the country, while episode two saw that percentage jump up to 6.6%.

While there is no official word yet on whether the series will be renewed for a second season, fans hoping for more episodes will be encouraged by the upward trend.

Watch Bon Appetit, Your Majesty on Netflix now.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.