Im Yoon-ah's 'Chef of the Tyrant' Reigns Supreme Globally, Topping Netflix Charts

Actress and singer Im Yoon-ah is captivating audiences worldwide with her leading role in the tvN weekend drama ‘Chef of the Tyrant,’ which has soared to the top of Netflix's non-English TV Shows category.

As a modern-day chef who time-slips into the Joseon era, Im Yoon-ah presents a unique and compelling narrative through her encounter with a tyrannical king. Her nuanced performance and exceptional chemistry with co-stars showcase the essence of K-storytelling. The drama also acts as a cultural bridge, naturally introducing Korean culinary traditions to a global audience by featuring a chef who creatively reinterprets classic Korean dishes with a modern twist.

The series is achieving remarkable success domestically as well. The 8th episode recorded an average viewership rating of 15.8% and a peak of 18.1% in the Seoul metropolitan area, securing the No. 1 spot in its time slot across all channels. Furthermore, it has maintained its top position in topicality rankings by Good Data Corporation for four consecutive weeks.

Globally, the show's success is equally dazzling. After entering the TOP10 on Netflix in its premiere week, ‘Chef of the Tyrant’ achieved the No. 1 global position in the non-English TV Shows category by its fourth week. On Rotten Tomatoes, it boasts a 98% audience score, tying for the highest-rated Netflix TV show as of September 2025.

Im Yoon-ah’s portrayal, harmoniously blending time-slip fantasy, romance, and comedy, has captured the hearts of viewers worldwide. Hailed by The New York Times as a 'Korean drama that has captivated the world' and by TIME as a 'wise choice,' Im Yoon-ah is pioneering new horizons for Korean romantic comedies. Global fans express their renewed love for K-dramas thanks to ‘Chef of the Tyrant,’ showering praise on Im Yoon-ah’s performance and the series as a whole.

Im Yoon-ah debuted as a member of the K-pop group Girls' Generation, showcasing her versatile talents. She has consistently built her acting career, delivering memorable performances in films like ‘Exit’ and the ‘Confidential Assignment’ series. She has established herself as a beloved K-pop idol and actress, cherished by fans not only in Asia but globally.