YoonA and Lee Chae-min Ignite Romance in 'King's Chef', Soaring Ratings!

The tvN weekend drama 'The King's Chef' is heating up as lead actors YoonA and Lee Chae-min's romance officially kicks into high gear, captivating audiences.

In the sixth episode aired on the 7th, amidst preparations for a culinary showdown against the Ming Dynasty envoys, viewers were treated to the sweet and fluttering moments between Yeon Ji-yeong (YoonA) and Lee Heon (Lee Chae-min). This romantic development propelled the drama's ratings to new heights, achieving an average of 13.1% and a peak of 15.1% in the Seoul metropolitan area, and 12.7% average nationwide, marking another personal best. The show also dominated its time slot across all channels, including terrestrial broadcasters.

Furthermore, the drama swept the 2049 viewer demographic ratings, with averages of 4.2% in the capital area and 4.9% nationwide, reaffirming its strong popularity.

The episode featured the Ming envoy's powerful official, Tae-gam Woo Gon (Kim Hyung-mook), causing displeasure to King Lee Heon with unreasonable demands from the outset. Seeking retribution for the humiliation suffered by the royal chefs, Yeon Ji-yeong impressed Woo Gon with her exquisite macarons, which led to a cooking competition against the Ming chefs. The stakes were further raised when Lee Heon offered to help Yeon Ji-yeong find the 'Mang-un-rok' if she won, intensifying her determination.

The pair embarked on their first date under the guise of searching for ingredients. Yeon Ji-yeong showed interest in a butterfly-shaped norigae, and Lee Heon, demonstrating his romantic side, purchased various gifts including flower shoes and silk, culminating in the norigae she admired. In return, Yeon Ji-yeong gifted him irises, known for their calming properties, adding a warm touch to their outing.

Upon returning, Yeon Ji-yeong found the royal kitchen in disarray after fellow chefs were humiliated by Ming chef A-bi-su (Moon Seung-yu). Fueled by a renewed sense of duty, Yeon Ji-yeong rallied her team, ready for the competition. With the three challenging themes announced, Yeon Ji-yeong declared, 'Prepare yourselves, envoys. I will show you a fiery taste,' setting the stage for a high-stakes culinary battle for the nation's honor.

YoonA, a former member of the iconic girl group Girls' Generation, has successfully transitioned into acting, earning acclaim for her roles in dramas like 'Big Mouth' and 'King the Land'. Lee Chae-min, who debuted as an MC for KBS 2TV's 'Music Bank' in 2021, has impressed audiences with his performances in 'Brave, Shining, Young' and 'Crash Course in Romance'. The chemistry and attractive visuals of both actors are considered key factors driving the drama's success.