If Episodes 1–4 gave us the perfect blend of rom-com spark and palace intrigue, then Episodes 5 and 6 turn the heat up even higher.
The kitchen battles are no longer just about meals and flavors. They’re about survival, loyalty, and even the fate of Joseon itself. Watching Ji-young stumble her way through royal recipes while slowly unlocking the tyrant king’s heart is pure K-drama magic.
And can we talk about the side characters? They’re shining brighter than ever. Let’s dive right in, episode by episode.
Episode 5: When Cooking Becomes a Battlefield
Episode 5 was one of those rare hours where you can’t decide if you want to laugh, swoon, or scream at the screen. The rom-com is rom-coming, but palace politics is also tightening its grip with just the right dose of mystery and thrill.
One standout this week was Court Lady Choi. Honestly, she might be my new favorite character. She has become Ji-young’s secret cheerleader, and every scene with her is a treat.
Meanwhile, the kiss that ended last week’s episode becomes the elephant in the palace. Ji-young is mortified, rolling her eyes and carrying her new “luxury eye bags,” while Heon acts like it never happened. The audacity!
Still, he can’t hide his own flustered reaction when reminded of it. Watching him go from scandalized to lovesick is a delight—classic K-drama male lead behavior.
What really pulled me in, though, was how Episode 5 tied Heon’s growing feelings to his grief. His hunger strike over his mother’s death was heartbreaking, but when he finally broke it with Ji-young’s food.
The symbolism was loud and clear: she’s becoming his comfort, his healing. And can we say how swoony it was to see his face light up at her presence? The way he peeked at her after eating. Chef’s kiss!
Episode 6: Culinary Nation Wars Begin
If Episode 5 simmered, Episode 6 boiled over. The Joseon vs. Ming cooking competition is officially declared, and suddenly, we’re watching a K-drama version of Iron Chef: Historical Edition. Ji-young has to represent Joseon cuisine against world-class Ming chefs, and the entire kingdom’s future rests on her shoulders. No pressure, right?
This episode was hilarious in the best way. Heon tries to frame the competition as “national business,” but it’s obvious he wants to hover around Ji-young. Watching him tag along as she prepares chili peppers, insisting it’s all for Joseon, had me giggling. Sir, just admit you want to spend time with her!
However, don’t let the lighthearted moments fool you. Episode 6 also pushed the darker palace politics forward. We learn more about Gong-gil, the king’s jester, and wow, what a twist. It turns out he’s also the assassin we’ve been following in secret. His backstory, with the death of his sister in the palace, adds tragic layers to his character.
Mok-ju, on the other hand, is as conniving as ever. Her jealousy toward Ji-young and determination to sabotage her adds fuel to the fire. Her alliance with shady ministers, all betting on Joseon’s loss just to dethrone Heon, makes her role even more sinister.
What to Look Forward in the Next Episodes?
The ending set up the competition itself with three rounds:
- A meat dish no one has seen before.
- Each side cooking the other’s cuisine.
- A soup dish with ginseng, which favors the Ming side.
As the competition with Ming heats up, I can only imagine the fireworks we’ll get in the next episodes.
Will Ji-young’s modern sensibilities give her an edge? Will Heon’s feelings get in the way of his judgment? Will Mok-ju’s sabotage finally succeed? My heart (and stomach) can’t wait to find out.
Stay tuned to Saranghero for more Bon Appétit, Your Majesty updates, recaps, and fangirl squeals. This drama is serving us a full-course meal of romance, comedy, and palace intrigue, and we’ll be here savoring every bite with you.