tvN’s highly anticipated fantasy survival romance drama The Tyrant’s Chef has officially revealed its cast lineup.
Scheduled to premiere in 2025, this unique series follows a celebrated French chef who unexpectedly time-slips 500 years into the past, landing in the Joseon Dynasty. There, she encounters a fearsome tyrant king with an unparalleled sense of taste, setting the stage for an extraordinary culinary and romantic journey.
Based on a popular web novel, The Tyrant’s Chef (working title) is helmed by renowned director Jang Tae-yoo, the mastermind behind beloved historical dramas such as My Love from the Star, Deep-Rooted Tree, Lovers of the Red Sky, and Knight Flower. With Jang at the helm, expectations are soaring for another unforgettable period drama.
The drama boasts a stellar cast, including Im Yoon Ah, Lee Chae Min, Kang Han Na, and Choi Gwi Hwa, each known for their versatility and charisma across generations. Their dynamic performances promise to bring depth and excitement to this genre-blending tale.
A Chef’s Unexpected Journey to the Past
Im Yoon Ah takes on the role of Yeon Ji-young, a talented and spirited French chef. Just as she wins the most prestigious French culinary competition, she mysteriously finds herself in the Joseon Dynasty. Instead of leading a Michelin 3-star restaurant in Paris, she becomes the unexpected royal chef for the kingdom’s most feared ruler. With her modern cooking techniques and bold personality, she must navigate palace politics, create fusion royal cuisine, and perhaps even capture the heart of the king.
A Tyrant with an Extraordinary Palate
Lee Chae Min stars as Lee Heon, the merciless ruler of Joseon. Known for his iron grip on power, he also possesses an absolute sense of taste—so refined that he can detect the subtlest changes in flavors based on the weather. His meeting with Yeon Ji-young is anything but ordinary. At first, he mistakes her for a ghost, but after tasting her cooking, he becomes obsessed with her culinary skills. As she enters the palace, his appetite for both food and companionship takes center stage, sparking a complex and fiery romance.
A Palace Filled with Secrets and Power Struggles
Kang Han Na plays Kang Mok-joo, the king’s long-time concubine and a woman of insatiable ambition. Initially favored by Lee Heon for her beauty and intelligence, she hides a ruthless desire for power. With Yeon Ji-young’s sudden presence in the palace, tension brews, and a dangerous rivalry unfolds. Just how far will Kang Mok-joo go to secure her influence?
Choi Gwi Hwa takes on the role of Prince Je San, the king’s most formidable political enemy. Cunning and merciless, he eliminates his rivals without hesitation. Though forced to live as a vagabond after his father’s death, he patiently waits for the right moment to overthrow Lee Heon and claim the throne for himself. Will he succeed in his grand ambitions, or will his plans crumble in the face of unexpected challenges?
A Romance as Flavorful as Its Cuisine
With its unique blend of romance, survival, palace intrigue, and culinary artistry, The Tyrant’s Chef promises an unforgettable viewing experience. The drama will deliver everything from sweet yet savage love stories to intense political battles and mouthwatering fusion dishes that transcend time and culture.
The production team describes the series as a “delicious romance that brings people together, much like the harmony of tangpyeongchae”, a traditional Korean dish symbolizing balance and unity.
As anticipation builds, viewers can look forward to an emotionally rich, visually stunning, and irresistibly entertaining drama when The Tyrant’s Chef premieres in late 2025.
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