YoonA Faces Crisis as 'King's Chef' Contestant and Potential Royal Bride

In the latest episode of tvN's weekend drama 'King's Chef,' YoonA (as Yeon Ji-young) found herself in a precarious situation, not only facing intense culinary challenges but also the threat of being sent away as a royal bride.

The broadcast on the 14th featured the first day of the cooking competition between Joseon's royal chefs and Ming Dynasty's imperial cooks. The theme was 'Meat,' requiring the creation of never-before-seen meat dishes. Yeon Ji-young, originally planning a spicy braised beef rib dish, had to change her plan to Beef Bourguignon after her gochujang and chili powder were stolen.

Ming's representative, Ah Bi-su, countered with 'La Yu,' using chili powder obtained from Prince Je San, presenting Gong Bao Chicken, a dish associated with the Qing Dynasty. However, just as the results were about to be announced, Yeon Ji-young raised an objection, accusing Ah Bi-su of stealing Joseon's secret seasonings.

Although opinions were divided, the first match was declared a draw. A disadvantage was given to Joseon: if all three rounds ended in a draw, Ming would secure victory.

The second day's theme was 'Region,' demanding participants to showcase the cuisine of the opposing nation. Yeon Ji-young chose Peking Duck, while Ming's Dang Baek-ryong presented Yeun-ip Bap (lotus leaf rice). It was revealed that Dang Baek-ryong's fluency in Korean stemmed from his five years of culinary training in Joseon.

The preview for the upcoming episode showed King Lee Heon expressing remorse over Yeon Ji-young's injured hand, stating it was his fault for risking national affairs on a cooking competition. Yeon Ji-young, however, resolved to see it through, preparing Ogye Samgye-tang for the final round. Amidst these events, factions wishing for Joseon's defeat plotted to eliminate the royal chef, further intensifying the drama.

YoonA, a prominent member of the iconic K-pop group Girls' Generation, has successfully transitioned into a respected actress, captivating audiences with her diverse roles. Her ability to embody characters across various genres, from romantic comedies to historical dramas, has earned her critical acclaim. In 'King's Chef,' she takes on the challenging role of Joseon's top chef, showcasing a significant evolution in her acting career.