The summer of 2025 belonged to one captivating Korean drama. Bon Appétit, Your Majesty has wrapped up its successful run, cementing its place as one of the year's most discussed and beloved series. The show masterfully mixed historical drama with romance and the art of cooking, creating a recipe that won over audiences far and wide.
From Web Novel to Screen Sensation
At the heart of this triumph lies the original source material: the web novel Surviving as Yeonsangun’s Chef by author Park Guk-jae. This story not only inspired the television drama but also a subsequent webtoon adaptation. The drama, brought to life by the renowned Studio Dragon and starring the talented Im Yoon-ah, earned widespread praise. Critics and fans highlighted its strong performances, engaging narrative, and the stunning recreation of elaborate traditional dishes on screen.
Park Guk-jae recently reflected on the unexpected surge in popularity for his original work. He stated with humility, "Honestly, the web novel wasn’t a huge mega-hit during its initial serialization." He expressed his gratitude, adding, "But I’m happy that the drama brought new attention to it." The author shared that his goal was always to write an accessible story, and plans for adaptation were set early, with rights secured before the novel even reached its midpoint.
Official Plans for a Second Season
The drama's finale left viewers eager for more, immediately triggering calls for a second season. This sent fans back to explore Park Guk-jae's original web novel, searching for clues about the future of the story. The author has now delivered exciting news for those fans.
Park Guk-jae confirmed that firm plans for Season 2 are in motion. "I have a lot to tell in Season 2," he revealed. "The synopsis and basic structure are already done. Details are still being developed." His vision is ambitious: he hopes to release the continuation of the original novel, the second season of the drama, and the ongoing webtoon in parallel if the project moves forward as planned.
Expanding the Bon Appétit Universe
The story's potential doesn't end with a direct sequel. Park Guk-jae hinted at a broader narrative universe currently in development. He suggested that existing side stories could naturally lead into a new story arc, particularly pointing to the unresolved mystery of how the tyrant king ends up in the modern world. This opens the door for potential spin-off series, expanding the rich world he has created far beyond the initial plot.
The journey of Bon Appétit, Your Majesty—from a modest web novel to a cross-media sensation—showcases the powerful synergy between original writing and screen adaptation. With a second season officially on the horizon and a wider universe in the works, the appetite for this unique blend of history, romance, and cuisine is far from satisfied.
