“Bon Appétit, Your Majesty”: The Real History Behind a Brutal Joseon King
- lewishooper1
- Sep 13
- 3 min read
How does this period drama unveil the tragic and tyrannical reign of King Yeonsangun? We unveil the evil truth behind this popular historical drama!
The Netflix K-drama Bon Appétit, Your Majesty has quickly become a fan obsession, because it has captivated audiences worldwide, thanks to its unique blend of romance, comedy, and historical fantasy.
While it features a familiar time-slip premise starring Im Yoon Ah and Lee Chae Min, what many viewers might not know is that the show is inspired by real Korean history, which is why the Dojeon team believe this K-drama is more than just a feel good show. The series is actually based on the web novel Surviving as Yeonsangun’s Chef, which itself draws from the life of a real Joseon-era ruler. This K-drama is a great way for international audiences to learn about Korean history in a subtle way.
The true history behind the drama
Behind this new Netflix drama, is a deep history that has become embedded within Korean culture as we know it today. Bon Appétit, Your Majesty is a tragic tale of power and vengeance. King Yeonsangun, who ruled Korea between the years of 1494 to 1506, was raised in a palace shrouded in secrecy. He was led to believe that his mother was Queen Jeonghyeon, only to discover the devastating truth early in his reign: his biological mother, Queen Yun, had been exiled and poisoned, which later he would set out a non stop quest in order to find the perpetrator and get justice.
When his attempts to posthumously restore her title and honor were met with resistance, Yeonsangun unleashed a brutal series of purges, executing anyone he held responsible for her death. His reign of terror was so extreme that historical accounts claim he personally carried out some of the killings, forever branding him as one of Joseon's most tyrannical rulers. These scenes can be seen in the drama, where some of the scenes left viewers literally sitting on the edge of their seats.
This was not all, as after his initial purges, King Yeonsangun's cruelty escalated dramatically as he banned free speech, outlawed Hangul, and shuttered royal universities for his personal use. His tyranny also extended to the mass kidnapping of hundreds of women for his entertainment and the attempt to dismantle Buddhism across the nation. His ruthless acts led him to execute not only protestors but also influential and educated people who stood against him. After 12 years of brutal rule, the king was finally overthrown and exiled, dying just two months later. Although Hangul is the national language of Korea today, around the time of his reign, there was much confusion about who and what to believe. Were his actions right? Were they looking out for the Korean people? Or did King Yeongsangun have tunnel vision in his own furious quests?
The power of K-dramas and the Korean entertainment industry
The Korean entertainment industry is booming, thanks to K-dramas and the global admiration for K-culture. It has been able to demonstrate its remarkable power in reinventing history to transform even the most brutal historical figures in a way that the younger generation will understand and engage with.
While classic films like The King and the Clown portrayed the tyranny of King Yeonsangun, the Netflix K-drama Bon Appétit, Your Majesty strategically re-imagines him as the fictional character Lee Heon. This creative choice frees the narrative from historical baggage, allowing it to seamlessly blend time travel, food, and romance into a globally appealing series.
By doing these things, K-dramas have been able to prove their unique ability to bring new life to ancient empires, making complex history accessible and engaging for millions of viewers worldwide. What more will the Korean Entertainment industry bring in the near future?
Why do you think Korean period dramas are gaining popularity? Comment below and let the Dojeon team know!
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