Girls’ Generation’s YoonA and rising star Lee Chae Min have set new records for tvN in 2025 with their undeniable on-screen chemistry. Their latest series, Bon Appétit, Your Majesty, is currently topping Netflix’s non-English charts, drawing comparisons to the massive success of Queen of Tears. While the drama has captivated viewers with its story and performances, it has also stirred debate due to the 11-year age gap between its lead actors. Surprisingly, the controversy seems to have only boosted the show’s visibility.
Chemistry Overshadows Controversy
Bon Appétit, Your Majesty is inspired by Park Guk Jae’s web novel Surviving as Yeonsangun’s Chef, which draws from the turbulent reign of the Joseon-era ruler Yeonsangun. However, under director Chang Tae Yoo’s vision, the drama blends historical fantasy with romance, steering clear of sensitive political retellings.
The most talked-about moment came in Episode 4, when YoonA and Lee Chae Min share an unexpectedly early kiss—a scene that typically doesn’t occur until much later in K-dramas. The sequence shows Lee Chae Min gazing intensely into YoonA’s eyes before leaning in, with YoonA initially startled before surrendering to the moment. The camera cuts away just as their closeness deepens, leaving viewers stunned. The bold timing of the kiss, combined with the actors’ chemistry, quickly went viral across TikTok and Instagram reels.
Still, the scene reignited the age-gap debate. Some viewers criticized the pairing, arguing the 11-year difference made them uncomfortable. Others defended the casting, noting the double standard in how audiences often accept older male leads opposite much younger women. Despite the divided opinions, many fans praised the leads’ performances and found the romance compelling. Interestingly, Lee Chae Min wasn’t the first choice for the role—actor Park Sung Hoon (The Glory) was originally cast but withdrew at the last moment, paving the way for Chae Min’s breakout.
Ratings and Global Success
Regardless of controversy, the drama is proving unstoppable. On August 31, Bon Appétit, Your Majesty became tvN’s highest-rated drama of 2025, earning an impressive 11.1 percent nationwide viewership and leading its time slot across all channels. Among viewers aged 20 to 49, it recorded an average 4.5 percent nationwide rating.
On the global stage, Netflix has amplified its reach. The drama has remained in the platform’s non-English Top 10 for two consecutive weeks, amassing 8.1 million views this week alone and claiming the number-one spot in 29 countries.
