K-Drama Fans Slam Bon Appétit, Your Majesty Finale

When Bon Appétit, Your Majesty ended its 12-episode run on September 28, many expected a satisfying wrap. What they got instead was a finale that stirred disappointment and backlash online. Whether you adored the journey or found it flawed, the outpouring of criticism from netizens can’t be ignored.

The drama, which combines historical intrigue, fantasy, romance, and culinary elements, follows Yeon Ji-young (played by Im Yoon-ah), a modern-day chef transported to Joseon, where she meets the mysterious King Yi Heon (Lee Chae-min).

Over the course of 12 episodes, political scheming, time-slip tension, and emotional growth unfolded against the backdrop of palace walls.

The final episode earned its highest ratings, notching a nationwide average of 17.1%, the show’s highest rating to date. However, that success did not quell the criticism that the ending felt undercooked.

Spoiler alert ahead.

In the finale, Prince Jesan triggers chaos in the palace. He manipulates Queen Ja-hyeon and pushes Jin-myeong to the throne as a puppet while Yi Heon confronts the betrayal.

As events spiral, Yi Heon is imprisoned and exiled. He writes a final note in the magical Mangunrok recipe book, hoping Ji-young might return to him someday.

Jesan kidnaps Ji-young in a desperate move. During the climactic rescue, Ji-young is struck by Jesan’s sword while protecting Yi Heon. Yi Heon kills Jesan.

She briefly returns to her time, recovering from injury, before Yi Heon appears in her world. The two finally reunite, share a kiss, and he cooks her bibimbap, the traditional Korean dish that symbolizes their bond.

In short: conflict, tragedy, time jump, and a happy ending that brings them together in the modern world.

Even fans who liked the show now fault its ending for several key issues:

1. Rushed pacing & weak resolutions
One of the primary complaints is the speed at which major conflicts were resolved. Important arcs—like Consort Kang’s downfall, Jesan’s gambits, and Yi Heon’s exile—felt crammed. One user on Reddit said:

“The ending was 100% rushed … It left me wanting more in a way that didn’t feel intentional or satisfying.”

Others pointed to “weak writing” in the final stretch, as though the writers opted for convenience over coherence.

2. Unanswered questions & ignored logic
Netizens also noted numerous plot gaps. For example, how did Yi Heon locate Ji-young in modern Seoul? Why were enemy forces so easily defeated? What about the emotional fallout from deaths and betrayals? These lingering questions felt brushed aside.

One user put it bluntly:

“Just saying ‘Secrets~ not important~’ makes it really disappointing for those who watched with love.”

3. Emotional beats that don’t land
Many felt the emotional climaxes lacked depth. Heavy moments, like the revelation of assassination plots or Yi Heon’s grief, received minimal focus.

The romance, too, sometimes leapt forward without enough tension to make it believable.

4. Format constraints & misalignment
Some fans believe the 12-episode structure itself limited the show’s potential. Several suggested that a longer run (e.g., 16 episodes) would have allowed better breathing room for character development and smoother plotting.

Reddit users offered a mix of disappointment and acceptance. Here’s a sense of what they said:

• “Not only the ending was rushed, it was poorly written … No justice done to the royal secretary Im’s character too.”
• “If they didn’t have time, they shouldn’t have put in those lines … They just couldn’t write the story.”
• “It’s a terrible ending … The only reason I stayed until the end is because of the king’s acting.”

Some fans leaned positive, praising the happy ending and the chemistry between YoonA and Lee Chae-min. However, even that praise is tempered with caveats: many still admitted that the finale was messy in execution.

After the finale, many fans asked for more. Some called for a special episode that shows how Yi Heon adapts to modern life. Others requested a short web exclusive that fills in the gaps. These requests signal two things.

Viewers remain engaged, and they want satisfaction beyond a single closing scene. Creators who listen could turn frustration into goodwill by offering follow-up content that answers lingering questions.

Bon Appétit, Your Majesty delivered an ending that satisfied many and disappointed others. It chose emotion more than explanation. For viewers who wanted a neat resolution, the finale was a miss.

For those who prioritize feelings and emotions, the reunion was a sweet moment in the finale. The lively reaction online shows how emotionally invested viewers remain in K-dramas. The conversation continues, and that is a sign of a show that mattered to its audience.

If you watched the Bon Appétit, Your Majesty finale, tell us what you think in the comments. Do you feel the ending was earned or rushed? Which unanswered question do you want answered first? Share your top moments and favorite lines, and keep the conversation going. Thanks for reading, everyone.

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