Four weeks into its broadcast, tvN’s fantasy romance “Bon Appétit, Your Majesty” has already gained significant traction worldwide. The series is enjoying a meteoric rise in viewership, and Episode 4 has now set a new benchmark for tvN dramas released in 2025.
According to data released by Nielsen Korea, the episode, aired on August 31, reached a nationwide average rating of 11.06%. This is a significant increase into double-digit territory after only three weeks on air.
The Seoul metropolitan area recorded an even stronger 11.42%. It’s a sharp increase of more than four points compared to the previous week. Among the coveted 20-49 demographic, the show posted a nationwide average of 4.5%. These numbers helped the drama to claim the top spot across all channels in its time slot.
The growth curve for Bon Appétit, Your Majesty, has been impressive from the start. Its premiere on August 23 began with a respectable 4.9%, quickly climbing to 6.64% in the second week, 7.59% in the third, and then surging past 11% with the latest installment.
For a cable channel drama, which often struggles to break past the mid-single digits, such a trajectory signals an unusual level of audience engagement.
This climb is even more striking when placed against other weekend K-drama titles. On the same night, KBS 2TV’s Our Golden Days reached an all-time high of 15.9%, making it the most-watched show of the weekend. JTBC’s Beyond the Bar also achieved a new personal best with 9.1% as it entered its final stretch.
Meanwhile, Twelve, KBS’s competing fantasy action series, slumped to an all-time low of 3.1%. Channel A’s My Lovely Journey concluded its run with a quiet 0.2% finale.
Why Viewers Are Hooked
Part of the drama’s appeal lies in its unique blend of genres. The series combines fantasy, royal drama, and culinary themes, creating a narrative that feels refreshingly new but familiar.
Starring Im Yoon-ah, beloved across Asia for her roles in Love Rain and Big Mouth, and rising actor Lee Chae-min, the show combines seasoned star power with youthful charm.
Critics highlight the chemistry between the leads as a key factor in the drama’s success. Im Yoon-ah plays a character whose charisma and depth bring life to the palace kitchen setting, while Lee Chae-min adds a layered performance that balances humour, romance, and dramatic tension.
Beyond the performances, the production values have also been praised. The drama’s set designs, costumes, and food cinematography are visually rich, offering audiences a feast for the eyes.
For many viewers, the combination of royal kitchens, traditional settings, and emotional storytelling recalls classics like Jewel in the Palace (Dae Jang Geum) while maintaining a modern sensibility that appeals to younger demographics.
The Drama’s Effect on K-Drama Trends
The success of Bon Appétit, Your Majesty comes at a time when big-budget fantasy dramas have sometimes underperformed. Several high-profile projects launched earlier in the year failed to hold audience attention despite lavish sets and celebrity casts.
It also reflects a growing appetite for lighter themes in the K-drama market. While dark thrillers and gritty revenge series remain popular, the appetite for comfort viewing is clearly resurging. Food, romance, and palace drama create a mix that is both entertaining and emotionally satisfying, striking the right balance for viewers fatigued by heavier themes.
Looking Ahead
With only four episodes aired, the journey of Bon Appétit, Your Majesty is still in its early stages. The drama has already proven it can pull in double-digit ratings, but the real test will be whether it can sustain or even surpass this momentum in the weeks ahead.
For now, one thing is sure: tvN has found its flagship drama of 2025. For more updates on Bon Appétit, Your Majesty, and the latest K-drama news, visit Saranghero’s blog and stay tuned to what’s trending next in the Korean drama scene.