The Tyrant’s Chef (2025): YoonA Leads Fantasy Time-Slip Romance with Lee Chae‑min as Gourmet Tyrant

Get ready for a captivating blend of fantasy, romance, and gourmet intrigue as The Tyrant’s Chef (폭군의 셰프) brings YoonA back to the small screen later in 2025.

⏳ Time-Slip Premise
Based on the web novel Surviving as Yeonsan-gun’s Chef, this 12-episode tvN series follows French chef Yeon Ji‑yeong (Im Yoon‑a), who, after winning a top culinary award, mysteriously travels back to the Joseon era. There, she meets the tyrannical but foodie king Lee Heon—determined to taste only the best.

🥘 Casting Drama & Replacement
Originally set to star Park Sung‑Hoon as the king, his departure was confirmed after an explicit social media post sparked controversy and fan protests. Rising actor Lee Chae‑min has since been cast as his replacement, generating both excitement and curiosity around his chemistry with YoonA .

🎬 Production Team & Supporting Cast
Directed by acclaimed Jang Tae‑yoo (My Love From the Star, Knight Flower) and penned by HapJak, the drama also features Kang Han‑ha as the ambitious concubine Kang Mok-ju, and Choi Gwi‑hwa as Prince Je Seon .

🌟 What to Expect
Prepare for lavish palace sets, mouth-watering fusion cuisine, and the dynamics of royal power and romance. Yeon Ji‑yeong must navigate palace politics—and possibly win the king’s cold heart—through her culinary artistry.

📅 Premiere Timeline
Filming began in January 2025, and the series is slated to air in the second half of the year—likely around August to September 2025 .

Mark your calendars for this unique mash-up of time-slip fantasy and gourmet drama—The Tyrant’s Chef promises to be a flavorful journey you won’t want to miss.