Actor Song Yi-dam, a Native Chinese Speaker from a Prestigious University, Draws Attention in 'The Tyrant's Chef'

Actor Song Yi-dam, who is playing the role of a Chinese interpreter in the tvN weekend drama 'The Tyrant's Chef,' is garnering significant attention after it was revealed that he is a graduate of a prestigious Chinese university.

In the drama, Song Yi-dam portrays the interpreter for a royal chef dispatched from the Ming Dynasty, responsible for facilitating communication during a culinary competition between the Joseon royal kitchen chefs and their Ming counterparts. In the 8th episode, his fluent interpretation of the dialogue between Yeon Ji-yeong (Im Yoon-a), the head chef of the royal kitchen, and Dang Baek-ryong (Jo Jae-yoon), the head chef from the Ming Dynasty, while examining chili powder, heightened the tension. His native-level Chinese proficiency and stable acting have been praised for adding a layer of realism to the series.

Born in 1996, Song Yi-dam made his acting debut in 2024 as Han-bin in the ChanneA mini-series 'Marry YOU,' where he impressed audiences by portraying a realistic character of a Gen MZ civil servant. He has since showcased a diverse acting spectrum through appearances in short dramas such as 'Codename B: Gukbap House Agents,' 'Husband Sale,' 'Love Magic Hongsi BAR,' and 'Fresh Romance.' Notably, he is an alumnus of China's Zhejiang University and is fluent in Korean, English, and Chinese. This background naturally aligns with his interpreter character in 'The Tyrant's Chef,' significantly boosting character immersion.

Song Yi-dam debuted as an actor in the 2024 Channel A mini-series 'Marry YOU.' He garnered attention for his realistic portrayal of a Gen MZ civil servant. He has also accumulated acting experience by playing lead and supporting roles in various short-form dramas.