Im Yoon-a Feels the Heat of 'The Tyrant's Chef' Popularity: 'I Check Ratings Even While Sleeping!'

Singer and actress Im Yoon-a has revealed she's truly feeling the immense popularity of her current drama, 'The Tyrant's Chef'.

Appearing on the tvN show 'You Quiz on the Block' on the 10th, Im Yoon-a shared behind-the-scenes stories from the hit series, admitting her obsession with its ratings. "As soon as I wake up, I check the viewership numbers, and I even wake up in the middle of the night to check them, constantly refreshing the page," she confessed with a laugh.

She added, "I hadn't really grasped the popularity until I received the invitation for 'You Quiz'. It's when strangers on the street call me 'Yeon Ji-young' or mention specific scenes, like the taekwondo fight, that I truly feel it." Her fellow Girls' Generation members have also been supportive, telling her how much they're enjoying the drama.

'The Tyrant's Chef' has seen a remarkable surge in viewership since its premiere, starting at 4% and consistently climbing. The sixth episode, aired on the 7th, recorded an average viewership of 13.1% and a peak of 15.1% in the Seoul metropolitan area, setting a new personal best. Nationwide, it averaged 12.7%, securing the top spot across all channels in its time slot for both weekend days. This makes it the highest-rated tvN drama of the year.

The show's success extends globally, ranking second on Netflix's Global Top 10 TV Shows (Non-English) and remaining in the top 10 for three consecutive weeks. According to FlixPatrol, it has entered the Top 10 in 93 regions, hitting number one in 44, including Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia. In the United States, it debuted in the Top 10 simultaneously with its broadcast and peaked at fourth place, demonstrating its growing international appeal.

Im Yoon-a debuted in 2007 as a member of the iconic girl group Girls' Generation, achieving massive success in the music industry.

She has since expanded her career into acting, starring in numerous dramas and films, and has established herself as a recognized actress.

Her current role in 'The Tyrant's Chef' has garnered significant praise for her versatile acting capabilities.