‘King’s Chef’ Ignites K-Food Craze, Poised for Global Phenomenon

tvN's weekend drama ‘King’s Chef’ has captivated viewers worldwide with its spectacular culinary displays, establishing itself as the go-to late-night drama.

The series is earning widespread acclaim both domestically and internationally, with its diverse fusion dishes spearheading a new wave of K-food appreciation, reminiscent of the impact seen after 'Dae Jang Geum'.

From royal kitchen selection competitions to high-stakes cooking battles, the drama showcases a vibrant array of fusion cuisine. These dishes, rooted in traditional ingredients and royal recipes but enhanced with modern techniques like sous-vide steak, doenjang pasta, and Peking duck rolls, offer a delightful feast for viewers.

Beyond the food itself, the series highlights the intricate details of Korean cuisine. Traditional tools such as bamboo molds for tartare and noodle makers are interestingly employed alongside modern methods. The chef's direct table-side service, showcasing the cooking process to stimulate appetite, and the art of carving ingredients for garnish add further visual richness.

Major international media outlets, including Forbes and The New York Times, have taken notice. Forbes lauded the drama, stating, “The real protagonist of this drama is the meticulously prepared food,” while The New York Times commented, “Despite its mix of genres, the core is a romantic comedy conveying love through the language of food.”

This global success is attributed to the synergistic efforts of lead actress Im Yoon-ah, consulting chefs, and director Jang Tae-yoo. Im Yoon-ah dedicated three months to culinary training, performing most of the cooking scenes herself without a double, deeply impressing the production team.

Leading the culinary direction was Head Chef Shin Jong-chul of a top domestic hotel, supported by chefs Oh Se-deuk and Kim Jong-hyo for French cuisine, Choi Kang-rok for Korean and fusion, and Lee Sung-woo for Chinese. Royal cuisine expert Lee Jeong-min and food researcher Lee Chae-yoon also contributed significantly to the authenticity and completeness of the dishes.

Director Jang Tae-yoo, who believes “cooking is the protagonist,” meticulously crafted the cooking process into a compelling narrative. The production team aimed to showcase Korean ingredients like doenjang and ginseng incorporated into familiar modern recipes, allowing global audiences to appreciate the unique flavors of K-food.

Im Yoon-ah underwent intensive culinary training for three months prior to filming, attending cooking classes and receiving private instruction from expert chefs. She performed the majority of the cooking scenes herself, earning admiration from the cast and crew for her dedication and skill. As Yeon Ji-yeong, a royal head chef, she skillfully portrayed both the emotional depth of her character and the technical execution of complex dishes.