Bon Appetit, Your Majesty (2025) s01e01 Episode Script
Course Nº 1 Gochujang Butter Bibimbap
1
BON APPÉTIT, YOUR MAJESTY
Your Majesty.
We have brought Yeon Ji-young
of the royal kitchen.
The man I'm about to face
is Joseon's greatest gourmet
and also the worst tyrant,
Yeonhuigun.
YI HEON
KING OF JOSEON
Your Majesty, you must sentence
the gwinyeo to capital punishment
and restore order to the throne.
- Please restore order to the throne.
- Please restore order to the throne.
Last night,
this woman served me a strange dish
and confused my senses.
Therefore,
I command that she be immediately…
appointed as the chief royal cook!
CHIEF ROYAL COOK:
THE HEAD COOK OF THE ROYAL KITCHEN
What?
- What? The chief royal cook?
- The chief royal cook?
A woman?
Starting today,
you are to cook for me
every day without fail.
However,
if you ever serve the same dish
more than once,
or if it is not to my liking,
you will be sentenced to death.
You've got to be kidding me.
All I ever dreamed of was becoming
a three-star Michelin chef.
Instead, today,
I became the chef of a tyrant.
Do you have anything to say?
Or…
do you wish to die now?
He's going to kill me eventually,
isn't he?
I'll survive and go back,
no matter what.
Your Majesty.
I am guilty of confusing you with my food.
Although our contract
is not entirely fair…
I will serve you
as best as I can until the end.
My name is Yeon Ji-young.
You'll never believe it,
but I'm from the year 2025.
How did I end up here?
Well…
COURSE Nº 1 GOCHUJANG BUTTER BIBIMBAP
LA POÊLE D'OR
COOKING COMPETITION
Ladies and gentlemen.
La Poêle d'Or,
the number one French cooking competition
to find an innovative new chef.
The final mission
is to create a spread for a king,
and I'm seeing
some fantastic dishes take shape.
Ladies and gentlemen.
The month-long competition
is now down to the last five minutes!
Excuse me! Sir!
Yes? What's the matter?
My stove isn't working.
Pardon?
We have four minutes left.
Please keep in mind you're disqualified
if you don't finish your dish in time.
The winner will receive 100,000 euros…
as well as the head chef position
at Paul Bonnard's "Happy Cure,"
a Michelin three-star restaurant.
What are you doing, ma'am? Are you insane?
A little.
You can't make a fire
with unauthorized materials.
"There's nothing worse
than an incomplete dish."
A French saying, right?
I completely agree.
I'd rather go a little crazy.
Wait, no…
Now, it's time for searing,
or flame-grilling.
Although the steak is cooked
through and through,
this step is essential
because it browns the surface
and creates a unique flavor and aroma.
This is known as the Maillard reaction.
You have two minutes left.
Please complete your dishes.
One minute to go. Please do not touch
anything when the time is up.
Time's up!
It's now time for the judges to decide
who will be crowned the winner.
Stay tuned!
LA POÊLE D'OR
COOKING COMPETITION
Please introduce your dish.
This is called "hünkâr beğendi,"
- which is Turkish for "Sultan's delight."
- It's a creative combination, but…
I don't think the sultan
would be very impressed.
Back in the Age of Discovery,
spices like cloves
were more valuable than gold,
and royals had dishes made
with these spices to flaunt their power.
To be honest,
this combination doesn't work.
Hello, sirs. This is turkey roulade,
which was favored by Marie Antoinette,
the bride of Louis XVI. Please enjoy.
I taste something new each time I chew.
However,
do you think the beef brisket
in the center
pairs well with the other ingredients?
Oh, it's you.
The problematic participant
who broke the rules.
I prepared a venison chateaubriand.
The tenderloin is reverse-seared
and smoked on rice straw.
The sauce is made with red ginseng
and Korean blackberry,
giving the dish a sweet and bitter touch.
This right here is a soybean purée
and a tuile made with misutgaru,
a Korean grain powder.
I also added hardy orange caviar
on the side.
I can smell the strong smoky aroma.
The color of the steak
is better than I expected.
This steak is a royal dish
made using a centuries-old
straw-fire grilling technique
that originated in the Joseon Dynasty.
The Joseon Dynasty?
That's right.
Long ago, when Korea was Joseon,
there was a Yeonhuigun.
He was a tyrant who was also a gourmet,
and this venison steak was his favorite.
The sweet but bitter sauce
really enhances the dish.
Grilling with rice straw
is a very complex technique,
but the heat was transmitted
through the meat perfectly.
And I can't smell the odor of the venison.
Thank you very much.
The greatest cooking competition
to find an innovative new chef,
La Poêle d'Or Season 5.
The month-long competition
has come to an end.
At last, it's time to decide the winner,
the one who will win 100,000 euros
as well as the opportunity to work
at a Michelin three-star restaurant.
The fifth person
to win the competition is…
This is very nerve-racking.
What a surprise!
Madam Yeon Ji-young from Korea!
Congratulations! Please step forward!
Congratulations, Madam Yeon.
Your chateaubriand
was an excellent reinterpretation
of the Joseon royal cuisine.
You are more than qualified to become
the head chef of Happy Cure!
Well done.
Thank you! Thank you so much!
2025 FRANCE LA POÊLE D'OR
100,000 EUROS
2025 FRANCE LA POÊLE D'OR
What a beautiful night.
Good night, Paris.
Did you see the news?
MY DEAR DAD
I'll be the head chef
of a Michelin three-star restaurant!
I even got 100,000 euros in prize money.
Well done. I'm so proud of you.
Are you flying back today?
Yeah. I'm packing
and will go straight to the airport.
My heart is still racing.
You must be tired.
You should stay back and rest for a while.
Apparently, there will be
a total solar eclipse later today.
A total solar eclipse?
Hey, that's even better.
I'll get to see that on the plane.
Oh, right.
I need you to bring a book back with you.
What book?
It's a historical record from Joseon.
I asked Professor Pierre
at Sorbonne University to get it for me.
He said he'd send it to you,
so be sure to bring it.
Okay.
I'll call you when I land.
MAILBOX
DEPARTMENT OF ASIAN HISTORY
PROFESSOR PIERRE BERGELO
I'll eat the bread later.
I'm glad I kept this.
Koreans can't live
without gochujang.
It looks great.
Oh, that's hot!
Gosh, that's hot.
Oh no.
Oh my gosh.
Oh no. This is bad.
What do I do? This is an antique book.
Let's dab off the smudges
with some water.
"Mangunrok"?
KURIM BURUILLE
PREPARE FOUR EGG YOLKS…
They're recipes.
Is it a cookbook?
Why is this page torn?
HWANSEBAN
Something-se-ban?
I have no idea.
Are the front pages okay?
They're all wet. Gosh, what do I do?
"My dearly beloved,
if you were to read this someday,
may you come back to my side"?
What?
It's a Joseon dynasty romance novel.
MANGUNROK
What's going on? What's happening?
Hello?
I'm in here!
Save me!
Why won't it open?
Hello? Will you unlock the door?
Let go of me!
How can you do this to me?
Drag the queen out!
Mother.
Your Majesty!
Your Majesty, how could you--
Enough! Drag her away!
Let go of me!
Mother--
- Your Majesty!
- You must not.
You must hold back, Your Royal Highness.
You must hold back.
Bull's eye!
- Chief Eunuch!
- Yes, Your Majesty.
Have the military officers
take the deer to Saongwon,
Office of Royal Meals.
Yes, Your Majesty.
CHANG-SEON
CHIEF EUNUCH OF ROYAL FOOD
It has gotten quite dark.
How about returning to the palace?
The band of rebels
that appeared during your last hunt
could attack you again,
and I am greatly concerned.
How dare you speak of such things?
You worry too much.
My apologies, Your Majesty.
This is too special a day
to cut short a hunting trip.
It is time!
10TH YEAR OF YEONHUIGUN'S REIGN
YEAR OF THE BLUE MONKEY
Rise!
Bow!
Rise!
His Majesty went out to hunt?
What nonsense is that?
The gusikrye, salvation ritual,
should have begun.
GRAND ROYAL QUEEN DOWAGER INJU
YI HEON'S GRANDMOTHER
I apologize, Your Royal Highness.
I failed to fulfill my duty.
It is known that a solar eclipse
is the heavens' way
of rebuking the king's wrongdoings.
His Majesty must not see
how serious the matter is.
He should be practicing restraint
and refraining from killing, but instead--
Enough! That is enough!
Do you still not know His Majesty?
It is because of
the fourth junior consort.
The Confucian scholars
gathered outside the hall of governance
to petition that she be punished.
Are you saying
that is why he went on a hunt?
Not a single day goes by quietly
because of her.
Your Royal Highness,
you should teach her a lesson
and show your authority…
Is it truly just because of that?
Could it be that His Majesty remembers
what happened to the deposed queen?
I believe she died
around this time of year.
Therefore, the late king's…
This is unacceptable.
Hunting on the day of the gusikrye?
This is truly lamentable.
He knows it is an important ritual
for the nation,
and yet he chose to go hunting.
Is it not obvious?
Someone must have done or said something
to upset His Majesty.
I wonder what could have
hurt him this time.
You reek of alcohol.
Did you drink until morning again?
Morning?
Is it still the morning?
Well, I did drink
right until I came into the palace.
But tell me.
Why is that Chief Royal Secretary Im
nowhere to be seen?
He left for yet another round of chaehong.
CHAEHONG: THE SELECTION OF BEAUTIFUL WOMEN
AND HORSES DURING YEONHUIGUN'S REIGN
Our nation is truly becoming a mess,
Your Highness.
The state of our nation
is just as messed up as the skirt hem
of a lecherous woman.
The ritual is still underway.
Who is speaking so loudly?
Be quiet.
Be quiet, everyone.
Help His Majesty lead the nation
with virtue and wisdom.
The daytime birds call,
yet the sky is dark.
There truly is an eclipse.
Where did Chief Royal Secretary
Im Song-jae go for the chaehong?
The Gyeonggi Governor's Office,
Your Majesty.
Heed my words.
After the hunt, I will head
to the Gyeonggi Governor's Office.
Whoever kills the most deer
will receive a special award today!
Let us hunt!
Your Majesty, there is a problem.
What is it?
Are you also concerned about the gusikrye?
Yes, I am.
Hunting during an eclipse
is a rare enjoyment.
And it has only just gotten exciting.
However, they say that if the king
misses the ritual,
he may anger the heavens,
and a gwinyeo, female ghost, may appear.
A gwinyeo…
What is happening?
I do not believe in the supernatural
or the unexplainable.
A gwinyeo in the age of Neo-Confucianism?
Why do I smell phytoncide?
Wait.
What the heck is this net?
What is this? Why am I in a net?
What's going on?
Hello? Is anyone out there?
Hello?
What the heck is happening?
What the heck? There's no signal?
This is a catastrophe.
Damn it.
I'm in here!
I swear I was in the bathroom
on the plane.
What happened?
What's going on?
It's a fox!
Go after it!
Your Majesty!
Your Majesty!
Your Majesty!
Damn it! Why is 5G speed so crap?
Is there no service
because I'm up in the mountains?
Jeez, my arm.
Where on earth am I?
What country am I even in?
An arrow?
A fox?
Oh, my back.
I'm right here, you know!
What the heck?
Goodness gracious.
They must be crazy.
You're shooting at a person!
Stop aiming this way! Don't shoot!
The fox went that way!
Who are you?
Are you Korean?
A suspicious being.
No. Wait.
The fox went that way.
Don't shoot.
What are you doing?
Why is he chasing me?
Don't follow me!
Oh my gosh!
This is Korea, right?
And you shot the arrows, right?
Who are you?
She looks rather strange,
from her hair to her attire.
Is that a silver dagger in her hand?
Judging by the way he spoke,
this definitely is Korea.
Is he a cosplayer?
Why is he in a hanbok?
Shouldn't you introduce yourself first
if you want to know who I am?
I kept yelling that the fox went that way.
Didn't you hear me?
I did.
What?
Then why did you keep shooting at me?
Are you crazy?
No, stop! Wait!
Who are you?
This shoots 10,000 volts.
You know what a stun gun is, don't you?
It stuns?
They say that if the king
misses the ritual,
he may anger the heavens,
and a gwinyeo, female ghost, may appear.
Could she be a gwinyeo?
Are you human or a ghost?
Or are you a nine-tailed fox?
What kind of reaction is this?
I'm just a person.
You wicked thing.
Who would call you "just a person"?
You crazy…
No, wait.
Listen. Okay, fine.
I'm not just any person.
I'm a three-star Michelin chef.
"Chef"?
The strange attire, frivolous speech,
and a look that shows you do not
understand a word I am saying.
You are most definitely a gwinyeo.
A beggar ghost.
What's wrong with this punk?
I can't take this anymore.
What did you say?
Fine. I admit that I look like a beggar.
I landed in a forest,
so my clothes got dirty.
But do you think you look normal?
What did you say? "You"?
How dare you address me in that manner?
What else should I call you then?
I can't call you "me," can I?
Oh, wait. Are you an actor?
Are you filming a historical drama?
You must be in the middle of a shoot.
Is it a movie? A drama?
Of all the things you are saying,
there is not a single word
I am able to comprehend.
Are you seriously out of your mind?
You can't aim at a person!
All right, shoot me.
Go ahead.
My handbag.
What the heck?
Did he actually shoot at me?
My hand
must have trembled.
Freeze!
You. Get off that horse. Now!
You know,
I have a black belt in taekwondo.
You're dead meat.
Come at me, gwinyeo.
Taekwon!
Taekwon!
Taekwon!
Oh dear. You're out of arrows.
I'll report you to the police
and have you locked up
for attempted murder, okay?
My cousin's husband's
uncle's nephew-in-law
is a lawyer who used to be a prosecutor.
- Wait.
- Your cousin's husband's
uncle's nephew-in-law?
That is practically a stranger, is it not?
Oh my.
You had a sword, huh?
I do not know which administrative office
he belongs to,
but he will also…
soon lose his head.
Don't come any closer!
My stun gun!
A gwinyeo's silver dagger.
How could you?
It did nothing but spark.
This has to be a dream.
If it is, please let me wake up.
Where did all that bravado go?
God, Buddha.
I swear to be good. Hallelujah, amen.
Now, I will let you go
to the afterlife.
Homage to the Amitabha Buddha!
A rebel?
Oh no!
Your Majesty!
Your Majesty!
His Majesty has disappeared.
Search every corner of the forest!
- Yes, sir.
- Yes, sir.
Make way!
Lord Im is passing through!
I cannot stand them.
You would think
it was His Majesty passing through.
Im Song-jae
became the chief royal secretary
even after marrying a princess,
and now his power has reached a new high.
IM SEO-HONG, IM SONG-JAE
Son.
Have you taken care of it?
I said one thing to the kitchen maids
at the Gyeonggi Governor's Office.
"Run away if you wish to live."
Even so, do not assume
things will go smoothly.
Gyeonggi Governor Hong Gyeong-dal
is an uptight old man
who believes Fourth Junior Consort Kang
manipulates His Majesty
and sends endless letters of appeal.
Father?
I will take care of everything, Father.
So do not worry and let us go, Father.
Oh my gosh!
Right, we fell together.
A rebel?
Wait. He was shot by an actual arrow?
He was.
Wait, hang on.
Hello?
Is anyone here?
Someone's injured!
Hey.
Hey, wake up.
How dare you?
Dare me, dare you. You need to wake up!
Darn it.
Blood!
Right, let's stop the bleeding.
I should have an ointment somewhere.
Here it is.
I'll use a good dollop of this on you.
No matter how crazy you are,
I can't just leave a patient out to die.
Right, 911.
My phone's in my handbag.
I don't want to touch him.
I'm going to check your pockets.
Okay?
Where's his phone?
Why are there no pockets?
Is it on this side?
Are you looking for this?
Oh jeez!
I think there's been
some kind of misunderstanding.
I was looking for your phone
to call for help
because you seemed badly hurt.
I don't have my phone with me
because you shot my handbag!
What?
How dare you!
Are you trying to trap me
with your strange words again
so you can have someone shoot at me?
You're paranoid.
Being at the scene of an accident
doesn't mean I caused it!
You cannot talk your way out!
The State Tribunal will reveal
who is behind all this.
Stay calm, Yeon Ji-young.
You crazy fool!
Don't you see
that I stopped the bleeding for you?
I saved your life!
She stopped the bleeding?
If that is true,
you must have kept me alive for a reason.
I saved your life, and this is what I get?
Let's make one thing clear.
However unstable you may be,
I'm not interested in taking your life!
Stop all the nonsense and die, gwinyeo!
Hand over the dagger this instant!
Forget it.
I'm leaving, so don't follow me, okay?
Halt!
I command you as the King of Joseon!
"King"? Just be quiet.
Don't say a thing, okay?
What a weirdo.
My words are not
getting through to her, are they?
I'm pretty good with a knife too.
She is quite extraordinary with a knife.
Did you see that?
Is she truly a gwinyeo?
Tell me your name, gwinyeo.
"Ginyeo"? As in courtesan?
I'm not a courtesan!
I'm just an ordinary person!
A person?
If so, who is your father?
Damn it. You're just hopeless!
The "Damn" family?
You've got to be kidding me right now.
I'm a chef!
I'm Chef Yeon Ji-young!
"Chef"?
I have never heard of
a Yeon family from Chef in my life.
Who in the world are you?
A cook!
I'm a cook!
All done.
Man, that was tiring.
Let's see.
Hey.
Hey, you.
What is this?
Did you tie me up?
Don't try to get smart with me
and stand up.
Do you have a death wish?
Do you not get the situation right now?
Get up, or I'm going on my own.
Fine.
Lead the way.
Unbelievable.
How is everything you say an order?
Try to keep up.
How far are you going to take me
to kill me?
Seriously!
Will you stop with that nonsense already?
If I wanted you dead,
I wouldn't have saved you.
You tied me up, yet you are acting
like you did me a favor.
So you acknowledge
that I was trying to save you, right?
I acknowledge
that you were not trying to kill me.
Do you also acknowledge
that I'm not a ginyeo?
I never said "ginyeo."
I said "gwinyeo," as in female ghost.
I don't believe this.
Let's go.
Come along.
Let's go.
Come on, let's go!
BONGDEOKGUNG
What happened?
What do you mean
His Majesty has not yet returned?
It seems he is enjoying the hunt
and delaying his return.
CHU-WOL
INSPECTOR COURT LADY
No.
He may love hunting,
but this has never happened before.
Something bad must have happened.
Is that it?
Did His Highness make a move?
7 YEARS AGO
Do you know who I am?
I first noticed you
at the courtesan house.
It was even before you had become
a fully fledged courtesan.
I heard your mother
sold you to Scholar Yi.
Did you really kill him?
Yes.
Every day must have been hell,
putting up with endless beatings by day
and taking that beast of a man by night.
But to a woman living on this land,
that is an everyday occurrence.
So what?
Are you saying it is only natural for us
to live like animals?
If I had to go back to living like that,
I would kill him again.
I will
get you out of here.
What do you want from me?
Do you desire
to enjoy a night with me before I die?
Do you also think
I am just one of those shallow men?
What I want
is not for you to be my woman.
I want your loyalty.
I may have killed a damned nobleman today,
but I may become a dangerous sword aimed
at your neck tomorrow, Your Highness.
How can you kill a man
who is already dead?
I died
ten years ago.
He is waiting for the right time.
He would not act so rashly.
- Chu-wol.
- Yes, Your Grace.
I must send an urgent message
to His Highness.
Very well.
Your Highness, an urgent message
has arrived from the palace.
His Majesty
has not yet returned to the palace.
Was he attacked by another assassin?
If that were the case,
a victim of the Muin Literati Purge
would be behind it.
Who would dare act without our knowledge?
We do not know everyone.
Countless people lost their masters,
friends, or brothers like we did.
It is impossible to know
each and every one of those people.
Even if someone did act on their own,
we cannot condemn them for it.
We have chosen to bide our time
for the right moment.
Even if the current king is a tyrant,
we must not test the times.
If one of us
has indeed…
acted on their own,
they will pay the price.
Do not forget
that it is our destiny
to wait for the time
to rectify the world.
- Yes, Your Highness.
- Yes, Your Highness.
Water.
Bring me water.
Listen.
I'm thirsty too.
Go look for a tavern nearby.
I need a cup of cinnamon punch.
This is just unbelievable.
Are you a die-hard fan or something?
You think you're actually
a Joseon king or what?
I see you finally get it.
I am the king of this country.
Did you hurt your head and not your chest?
I guess you do not want to believe it.
- Look closely.
- Oh jeez.
What do you want me to look at now?
What now?
What is this?
Is this a dragon?
Oh, so you're saying this is proof
that you're the king.
My gosh.
This is just sad.
You can rent robes like this
for three hours for 10,000 won
at Bongdeokgung.
- You really think I'd fall for that?
- What?
They are renting out my royal robes
at the palace?
Yes. People dress up
to tour the palace grounds.
Foreigners love it.
Why will you not believe
that I am the king?
Then what about you?
Why will you not believe I am a chef?
You are unbelievably frustrating.
What will you do if I really am the king?
You're a patient,
so I'll try to be understanding.
Go.
Go.
Come on.
Fine.
You are not the woman of my taste,
but once we return to the palace,
I will grant you a royal favor.
I will grant you a royal favor.
You'll do what? Grant a royal favor?
There are things you just shouldn't say,
no matter how crazy you are!
How dare you lay a hand on me?
I was too flustered to speak up earlier,
but I tend to get rough
when I hear rude nonsense.
Silence! Do you call that an excuse?
I don't believe this.
Who in the world are you?
Are you really an actor?
I am…
the king…
of this country.
You really are a persistent one,
aren't you?
That's enough.
Keep walking while I'm still willing
to put up with you.
Go.
Go.
It's a house!
Thank goodness.
Hey!
Will you slow down?
I know it's a small thatched house,
but you can't just kick down
someone else's gate like that.
Everything on this land belongs to me.
Why do I even bother?
Goodness.
FORBIDDEN
Hello?
Excuse me. Is anyone home?
Be quiet.
We are still within the geumpyo.
"Geumpyo"?
Yes. This is Salgoji Forest,
my hunting grounds,
so no one lives here.
Geumpyo…
I remember. Yeonhuigun.
What? "Yeonhuigun"?
Geumpyo, as in the prohibition signs.
Yeonhuigun tore down houses
and kicked people out
to clear space for his hunting grounds
and marked the boundary with the signs.
Who on earth is this Yeonhuigun?
There is no member of the royal family
I do not know of.
I thought you said you were a king.
You don't know the tyrant Yeonhuigun?
He sent treacherous subjects
as chaehong inspectors
to bring in all the women in Joseon
to offer him.
You really don't know him?
"Chaehong"?
You are not talking about me, are you?
Of course not. He lived centuries ago.
Also, Yeonhuigun was a king.
The worst tyrant of Joseon.
Why is he a tyrant?
You really don't know?
He ruled as he pleased,
tormented his people
to make his hunting grounds,
and had all the women
brought to him through the chaehong.
Beheading disloyal subjects
and establishing authority
is how you set the country right.
The people who lived
on the hunting grounds were relocated,
and the chaehong serves a noble purpose.
You should try to understand
his intentions,
instead of rudely calling him a tyrant.
And what? Treacherous subjects?
Why are you so worked up
when it's not even about you?
Let's be honest though.
Forget the rest,
but that chaehong thing is just wrong.
How can a person do such a thing?
Listen carefully, gwinyeo of Chef.
You're calling me that again.
A king's greatest duty
is to ensure an heir and preserve
the royal lineage and kingdom.
How could you condemn a king
who bestows his favor on all those women
and the loyal subjects
who uphold his noble intentions?
You're insane.
Studying history
must've messed with your mind.
That heir nonsense is just an excuse.
He was just crazy about women.
- What an excuse.
- What? "Crazy about women"?
How dare you run your mouth like that?
Sure, sure.
You can have all the heirs you want.
I'm going to do what I'm about to do
for my peace of mind.
I have no interest…
in men like you.
Do you not fear the consequences?
No, Your Majesty.
I live like there is no tomorrow.
How dare you!
Untie me this instant!
I will not untie you this instant!
What?
Untie me immediately!
I was so uncomfortable
in these damp clothes.
Those are perfect.
Oh my gosh, I'm aching all over.
What a weird day this has been.
Right?
I should be saying that.
Did you hear that?
I did.
Is someone here?
Hello?
Is someone there?
Hello?
Where the heck is the light switch?
It's so dark.
Is anyone here?
Hello?
You thief!
Did your father not teach you better?
What? Thief?
You clearly stole my clothes,
yet you deny it?
Oh, these are your clothes?
I'm sorry.
Forget it.
- Just hurry up and get out of here.
- Okay, I will.
I'll leave.
But before I do, where are we?
What neighborhood are we in?
I said forget it. Get out.
- Hurry up and get out!
- Wait!
- Get out!
- Hang on!
Stop it!
What is it with today?
It just doesn't end, does it?
Okay.
Listen.
I get why you'd misunderstand
the situation right now.
But it was dark,
I didn't know where I was,
and I saw a house and just came in.
Do you expect me to believe that?
If that were the case, should you not have
called out for the owner first?
I did, but no one answered.
That's why I thought
it was an empty house.
What if it were an empty house?
Does that mean
you can put on someone else's clothes
and go about like you own the place?
This whole place is Salgoji Forest.
So how can you not know where you are?
You call this place Salgoji Forest too?
That's not what I'm asking.
What region are we in?
You are in no position
to raise your voice!
This is the king's hunting grounds,
and we could get dragged away
if we get caught.
Do you really not know about the geumpyo?
"The king"? "Geumpyo"?
We are still within the geumpyo.
This is Salgoji Forest,
my hunting grounds, so no one lives here.
This is driving me insane.
Everyone here acts like
they're from another country.
Wait a second.
You're wearing a hanbok too.
This is some kind of set, isn't it?
"Set"?
What is that?
A place where they film movies and dramas.
What did you say? "Moose"? "Drums"?
Come on, don't mess around with me.
You're scaring me.
I am the one who is scared right now!
There's no way what he said was true,
and I'm really in the Joseon Dynasty.
Can you tell me what year this is?
The year?
Let me see.
It was the Year of the Black Sheep
last year,
so this year
is the Year of the Blue Monkey.
Year of the Blue Monkey?!
What is the matter now?
They're using the Heavenly Stems
to count the years?
No way.
Where did you say…
we are?
You are quite the strange one.
You do not know that we are inside
the geumpyo of Salgoji Forest in Ttukseom,
and you do not know what year it is.
Someone would think
you were from another world.
Where is…
the nearest convenience store?
Convi… What?
What kind of strange word is that?
What did you say?
Oh, a supermarket.
Soup… What?
Oh dear.
She doesn't know what a convenience store
or a supermarket is.
There's no way.
This must be a dream.
How can I be hungry when I'm dreaming?
To be honest,
I am a bit hungry.
Would you like something to eat?
Is this not a dream?
Goodness me. Do not be silly.
Hurry up and get up, will you?
I need to find my handbag first.
My phone's in it,
so I can figure something out then.
After we've had something to eat,
will you take me to a cliff nearby?
To a cliff?
At this hour?
I lost something,
and I really need to get it back.
There is only one cliff nearby.
What is there to eat here?
I'll cook for you.
Goodness.
Who is he?
What? He fell asleep so quickly.
Let's go. Where do we go?
Just follow me.
Oh my.
- Is this omija?
- Yes, it is.
Oh, it's bracken. Did you dry these?
Yes. I harvested and dried them all.
No way. This is dongchimi,
radish water kimchi.
That is delicious.
One, two, three.
By the way, what's your name?
It is Gil-geum.
- Seo Gil-geum.
- My name is Yeon Ji-young.
How old are you?
I am 18 years old.
Oh, I'm older.
I'll speak casually, if that's okay.
Sure.
There.
Using firewood is one thing,
but there's no electronic rice cooker,
and there are no lights either.
Is it even possible
that a place like this still exists?
Not to mention her.
Gil-geum, where did you find all this?
People usually look for fruits or herbs
with their eyes.
But I do that with my nose.
You have the nose of a dog, huh?
A heightened sense of smell.
Barley rice and wild vegetables…
Right, I have those.
They're here.
I have them.
It's time to show them what I can do.
This is a true natural, whole-food meal.
The deep aroma.
The smell of spring.
That is the smell of nature.
- Is this enough rice?
- It's perfect.
- What is that thing?
- All right.
Miss, this smells like filbert.
- Oh my.
- Oh, you mean hazelnuts?
This is called beurre noisette.
If you burn butter, it turns brown
and gives off a nutty aroma.
If you use that instead of sesame oil,
you get a completely different bibimbap.
This is too pretty to eat.
It looks like a painting.
I should go and make some nureunggaengi.
"Nureunggaengi"?
Look at him.
Hey. Wake up.
How can you sleep so deeply?
It was only hours ago when you were
trying to kill me, calling me a gwinyeo.
Here. Have some
before you go back to sleep.
It is fine.
You're sulking. Jeez, how petty.
What?
"Petty"?
I'll be the bigger person. Here.
Open your mouth.
I am fine.
Your body's asking for food.
Come on, just have a bite.
How can I trust you?
Hurry up. My arm hurts.
If you insist,
you taste it first.
THE COURT LADY TASTES THE KING'S FOOD
TO CHECK FOR POISON
You want me to do what?
Goodness.
Hey, Gil-geum. Join us.
It's fine.
He's not a bad person.
He's just troublesome.
Come.
Well, then…
Do excuse me, my lord.
He's not well.
I hope you understand.
Who are you?
Well…
She's the owner of this house.
Her name is Seo Gil-geum.
Say hello.
- Greetings.
- Shut it!
No one owns land within the geumpyo.
Oh, well, you see…
My gosh.
Are you two shooting a movie or something?
What's with you two?
Just forget it and dig in.
It tastes best now.
I'll have a bite first.
It may look fancy,
but it is just barley rice.
Come on.
It's not just your ordinary barley rice.
This is gochujang butter bibimbap
made by a three-star Michelin chef.
It's top-class French bibimbap.
"Fringe bibinbap"?
I used butter instead of sesame oil.
It's much less spicy
than when you just use gochujang,
and it has a richer flavor.
"Gochojang"?
"Batter"?
Here.
It looks like rice
mixed with other things.
What did she use instead of soy sauce?
What is that bright red thing?
It was so worth
picking out the vegetables ourselves.
The aroma is beyond compare
with the ones at a supermarket.
It's good. Perfectly seasoned.
Eat up, Gil-geum.
That fool will finish it all
if he changes his mind.
A lowly thing like me would not dare.
I see that at least you know
social order and manners.
"Social order"?
What's with the weird vibe?
It feels as if
I actually traveled back in time.
Oh, whatever.
Here.
Open up.
What do you think you are doing?
You're such a handful.
Are you going to eat or not?
Grab a proper spoonful.
Forget it. I don't care if you starve.
How can I eat it
if the spoon cannot even fit in my mouth?
I give up. You win.
Oh, our dear princess,
is this little bite good enough for you?
- Here you go.
- What did you call me?
A princess?
Upon closer look,
you're actually a prince.
Here you go, Your Highness.
Well? It's good, isn't it?
Are you truly trying to kill…
What, you can't handle the spice?
Come on.
Is it that spicy? It's not that bad.
It's not spicy. It's delicious.
Try it.
What kind of food is this?
- Is it spicy for you too?
- Yes! I am dying!
Tell me the truth.
What poison did you add to the food?
Despite the severely lacking situation,
I made you bibimbap
with gochujang and butter,
and that's what you say?
Forget it. Don't eat.
I'll finish the rest.
Wait, no.
I want more.
It was spicy and painful at first,
but what should I say?
Once the spiciness went away,
I could enjoy the flavors,
and it is rather addictive.
- Right?
- Yes.
It is the most delicious thing
I have ever tasted.
I knew you'd recognize good food.
Here.
See? I knew it.
It's good, isn't it?
It's delicious, right?
Do not put the spoon down.
Here.
Open up.
Open up.
Is it tasty?
Yes, Mother.
You should not skip your meals
just because your grandmother scolded you.
DEPOSED QUEEN YEON
YI HEON'S BIRTH MOTHER
A king is one who fathoms.
He must fathom his family,
the heavens,
and the hearts of others.
Is it that spicy?
We finished the food.
Let's clean up, Gil-geum.
Okay.
Thanks.
Let me.
Would you like a bowl, my lord?
- It's okay. I don't think he'll drink it.
- Okay.
Do we do the dishes here?
It is over here.
Is he crying because it is spicy?
It wasn't spicy enough to make you cry.
How strange.
She made me think of my mother
with such a simple meal.
Look under every stone by the river!
- Yes, sir!
- Yes, sir!
This is ridiculous.
You said you had the nose of a dog.
Does it smell that bad?
I think it smells fine.
Let's leave it out here to air
while we go out.
This is my revenge.
Oh my.
He looks normal when he's asleep.
You take such good care of your husband.
Don't be silly.
Gil-geum,
is that what you thought all this time?
Yes. Then why else--
It's not like that.
- I'll explain on the way. Let's go.
- Okay.
Let's find my handbag first.
He's unwell. I think he hurt his head.
The stream tells me
we're on the right path.
What did I tell you?
This is the only way to the cliff.
Miss, would you like to wash out
the dirt in your hair?
Can we? I do feel a bit gross.
Oh, that's cold!
It's colder than I expected.
Goodness me.
You cannot call this cold.
Watch me.
Oh my, how refreshing!
I'll just wash my hair.
My gosh. This is so nice!
Your Majesty!
Are you unharmed?
Do I look unharmed to you?
Forgive me, Your Majesty.
I will find and behead the band of rebels
and atone for failing to protect you,
Your Majesty.
Heed my words.
There is a traitor nearby
who has humiliated me.
- Find them.
- Yes, Your Majesty!
Miss.
Yeah?
Use this to dry your hair.
Thank you.
I am sorry for mistaking you for a thief.
Don't be.
I walked into your home
and wore your clothes without asking.
That is true.
By the way, Gil-geum,
why do you live in hiding?
Isn't that your home?
I live here to avoid the chaehong.
The chaehong serves a noble purpose.
Chaehong?
Yes, chaehong.
Do you not know what that is?
It is when they take all the women
to the palace.
Do you truly not know?
I do, but that happened
during the Joseon Dynasty.
Where do you think you are
if not in Joseon?
Are you saying
everything that fool said was true?
"That fool"?
Oh, the lord who is not well in the head?
So are you saying
this is the reign of Yeonhuigun?
Who? "Yeoninggun"?
How do you know about chaehong
but not Yeonhuigun?
I have never heard that name before.
Who is down there?
Hey, there are people.
Over here!
BON APPÉTIT, YOUR MAJESTY
Where are you from?
I'm from 500 years in the future.
I see. I will not take your life today.
- Open this door!
- Miss!
Will you be able to complete a dish
that will satisfy them
within the given time?
If we do this well, will you let us go?
If what you say is true,
I will try it myself.
Do not just stand there.
Strike that criminal at once!
I'm screwed.
He really was Yeonhuigun.
Subtitle translation by: Jennifer Jean Lim
BON APPÉTIT, YOUR MAJESTY
Your Majesty.
We have brought Yeon Ji-young
of the royal kitchen.
The man I'm about to face
is Joseon's greatest gourmet
and also the worst tyrant,
Yeonhuigun.
YI HEON
KING OF JOSEON
Your Majesty, you must sentence
the gwinyeo to capital punishment
and restore order to the throne.
- Please restore order to the throne.
- Please restore order to the throne.
Last night,
this woman served me a strange dish
and confused my senses.
Therefore,
I command that she be immediately…
appointed as the chief royal cook!
CHIEF ROYAL COOK:
THE HEAD COOK OF THE ROYAL KITCHEN
What?
- What? The chief royal cook?
- The chief royal cook?
A woman?
Starting today,
you are to cook for me
every day without fail.
However,
if you ever serve the same dish
more than once,
or if it is not to my liking,
you will be sentenced to death.
You've got to be kidding me.
All I ever dreamed of was becoming
a three-star Michelin chef.
Instead, today,
I became the chef of a tyrant.
Do you have anything to say?
Or…
do you wish to die now?
He's going to kill me eventually,
isn't he?
I'll survive and go back,
no matter what.
Your Majesty.
I am guilty of confusing you with my food.
Although our contract
is not entirely fair…
I will serve you
as best as I can until the end.
My name is Yeon Ji-young.
You'll never believe it,
but I'm from the year 2025.
How did I end up here?
Well…
COURSE Nº 1 GOCHUJANG BUTTER BIBIMBAP
LA POÊLE D'OR
COOKING COMPETITION
Ladies and gentlemen.
La Poêle d'Or,
the number one French cooking competition
to find an innovative new chef.
The final mission
is to create a spread for a king,
and I'm seeing
some fantastic dishes take shape.
Ladies and gentlemen.
The month-long competition
is now down to the last five minutes!
Excuse me! Sir!
Yes? What's the matter?
My stove isn't working.
Pardon?
We have four minutes left.
Please keep in mind you're disqualified
if you don't finish your dish in time.
The winner will receive 100,000 euros…
as well as the head chef position
at Paul Bonnard's "Happy Cure,"
a Michelin three-star restaurant.
What are you doing, ma'am? Are you insane?
A little.
You can't make a fire
with unauthorized materials.
"There's nothing worse
than an incomplete dish."
A French saying, right?
I completely agree.
I'd rather go a little crazy.
Wait, no…
Now, it's time for searing,
or flame-grilling.
Although the steak is cooked
through and through,
this step is essential
because it browns the surface
and creates a unique flavor and aroma.
This is known as the Maillard reaction.
You have two minutes left.
Please complete your dishes.
One minute to go. Please do not touch
anything when the time is up.
Time's up!
It's now time for the judges to decide
who will be crowned the winner.
Stay tuned!
LA POÊLE D'OR
COOKING COMPETITION
Please introduce your dish.
This is called "hünkâr beğendi,"
- which is Turkish for "Sultan's delight."
- It's a creative combination, but…
I don't think the sultan
would be very impressed.
Back in the Age of Discovery,
spices like cloves
were more valuable than gold,
and royals had dishes made
with these spices to flaunt their power.
To be honest,
this combination doesn't work.
Hello, sirs. This is turkey roulade,
which was favored by Marie Antoinette,
the bride of Louis XVI. Please enjoy.
I taste something new each time I chew.
However,
do you think the beef brisket
in the center
pairs well with the other ingredients?
Oh, it's you.
The problematic participant
who broke the rules.
I prepared a venison chateaubriand.
The tenderloin is reverse-seared
and smoked on rice straw.
The sauce is made with red ginseng
and Korean blackberry,
giving the dish a sweet and bitter touch.
This right here is a soybean purée
and a tuile made with misutgaru,
a Korean grain powder.
I also added hardy orange caviar
on the side.
I can smell the strong smoky aroma.
The color of the steak
is better than I expected.
This steak is a royal dish
made using a centuries-old
straw-fire grilling technique
that originated in the Joseon Dynasty.
The Joseon Dynasty?
That's right.
Long ago, when Korea was Joseon,
there was a Yeonhuigun.
He was a tyrant who was also a gourmet,
and this venison steak was his favorite.
The sweet but bitter sauce
really enhances the dish.
Grilling with rice straw
is a very complex technique,
but the heat was transmitted
through the meat perfectly.
And I can't smell the odor of the venison.
Thank you very much.
The greatest cooking competition
to find an innovative new chef,
La Poêle d'Or Season 5.
The month-long competition
has come to an end.
At last, it's time to decide the winner,
the one who will win 100,000 euros
as well as the opportunity to work
at a Michelin three-star restaurant.
The fifth person
to win the competition is…
This is very nerve-racking.
What a surprise!
Madam Yeon Ji-young from Korea!
Congratulations! Please step forward!
Congratulations, Madam Yeon.
Your chateaubriand
was an excellent reinterpretation
of the Joseon royal cuisine.
You are more than qualified to become
the head chef of Happy Cure!
Well done.
Thank you! Thank you so much!
2025 FRANCE LA POÊLE D'OR
100,000 EUROS
2025 FRANCE LA POÊLE D'OR
What a beautiful night.
Good night, Paris.
Did you see the news?
MY DEAR DAD
I'll be the head chef
of a Michelin three-star restaurant!
I even got 100,000 euros in prize money.
Well done. I'm so proud of you.
Are you flying back today?
Yeah. I'm packing
and will go straight to the airport.
My heart is still racing.
You must be tired.
You should stay back and rest for a while.
Apparently, there will be
a total solar eclipse later today.
A total solar eclipse?
Hey, that's even better.
I'll get to see that on the plane.
Oh, right.
I need you to bring a book back with you.
What book?
It's a historical record from Joseon.
I asked Professor Pierre
at Sorbonne University to get it for me.
He said he'd send it to you,
so be sure to bring it.
Okay.
I'll call you when I land.
MAILBOX
DEPARTMENT OF ASIAN HISTORY
PROFESSOR PIERRE BERGELO
I'll eat the bread later.
I'm glad I kept this.
Koreans can't live
without gochujang.
It looks great.
Oh, that's hot!
Gosh, that's hot.
Oh no.
Oh my gosh.
Oh no. This is bad.
What do I do? This is an antique book.
Let's dab off the smudges
with some water.
"Mangunrok"?
KURIM BURUILLE
PREPARE FOUR EGG YOLKS…
They're recipes.
Is it a cookbook?
Why is this page torn?
HWANSEBAN
Something-se-ban?
I have no idea.
Are the front pages okay?
They're all wet. Gosh, what do I do?
"My dearly beloved,
if you were to read this someday,
may you come back to my side"?
What?
It's a Joseon dynasty romance novel.
MANGUNROK
What's going on? What's happening?
Hello?
I'm in here!
Save me!
Why won't it open?
Hello? Will you unlock the door?
Let go of me!
How can you do this to me?
Drag the queen out!
Mother.
Your Majesty!
Your Majesty, how could you--
Enough! Drag her away!
Let go of me!
Mother--
- Your Majesty!
- You must not.
You must hold back, Your Royal Highness.
You must hold back.
Bull's eye!
- Chief Eunuch!
- Yes, Your Majesty.
Have the military officers
take the deer to Saongwon,
Office of Royal Meals.
Yes, Your Majesty.
CHANG-SEON
CHIEF EUNUCH OF ROYAL FOOD
It has gotten quite dark.
How about returning to the palace?
The band of rebels
that appeared during your last hunt
could attack you again,
and I am greatly concerned.
How dare you speak of such things?
You worry too much.
My apologies, Your Majesty.
This is too special a day
to cut short a hunting trip.
It is time!
10TH YEAR OF YEONHUIGUN'S REIGN
YEAR OF THE BLUE MONKEY
Rise!
Bow!
Rise!
His Majesty went out to hunt?
What nonsense is that?
The gusikrye, salvation ritual,
should have begun.
GRAND ROYAL QUEEN DOWAGER INJU
YI HEON'S GRANDMOTHER
I apologize, Your Royal Highness.
I failed to fulfill my duty.
It is known that a solar eclipse
is the heavens' way
of rebuking the king's wrongdoings.
His Majesty must not see
how serious the matter is.
He should be practicing restraint
and refraining from killing, but instead--
Enough! That is enough!
Do you still not know His Majesty?
It is because of
the fourth junior consort.
The Confucian scholars
gathered outside the hall of governance
to petition that she be punished.
Are you saying
that is why he went on a hunt?
Not a single day goes by quietly
because of her.
Your Royal Highness,
you should teach her a lesson
and show your authority…
Is it truly just because of that?
Could it be that His Majesty remembers
what happened to the deposed queen?
I believe she died
around this time of year.
Therefore, the late king's…
This is unacceptable.
Hunting on the day of the gusikrye?
This is truly lamentable.
He knows it is an important ritual
for the nation,
and yet he chose to go hunting.
Is it not obvious?
Someone must have done or said something
to upset His Majesty.
I wonder what could have
hurt him this time.
You reek of alcohol.
Did you drink until morning again?
Morning?
Is it still the morning?
Well, I did drink
right until I came into the palace.
But tell me.
Why is that Chief Royal Secretary Im
nowhere to be seen?
He left for yet another round of chaehong.
CHAEHONG: THE SELECTION OF BEAUTIFUL WOMEN
AND HORSES DURING YEONHUIGUN'S REIGN
Our nation is truly becoming a mess,
Your Highness.
The state of our nation
is just as messed up as the skirt hem
of a lecherous woman.
The ritual is still underway.
Who is speaking so loudly?
Be quiet.
Be quiet, everyone.
Help His Majesty lead the nation
with virtue and wisdom.
The daytime birds call,
yet the sky is dark.
There truly is an eclipse.
Where did Chief Royal Secretary
Im Song-jae go for the chaehong?
The Gyeonggi Governor's Office,
Your Majesty.
Heed my words.
After the hunt, I will head
to the Gyeonggi Governor's Office.
Whoever kills the most deer
will receive a special award today!
Let us hunt!
Your Majesty, there is a problem.
What is it?
Are you also concerned about the gusikrye?
Yes, I am.
Hunting during an eclipse
is a rare enjoyment.
And it has only just gotten exciting.
However, they say that if the king
misses the ritual,
he may anger the heavens,
and a gwinyeo, female ghost, may appear.
A gwinyeo…
What is happening?
I do not believe in the supernatural
or the unexplainable.
A gwinyeo in the age of Neo-Confucianism?
Why do I smell phytoncide?
Wait.
What the heck is this net?
What is this? Why am I in a net?
What's going on?
Hello? Is anyone out there?
Hello?
What the heck is happening?
What the heck? There's no signal?
This is a catastrophe.
Damn it.
I'm in here!
I swear I was in the bathroom
on the plane.
What happened?
What's going on?
It's a fox!
Go after it!
Your Majesty!
Your Majesty!
Your Majesty!
Damn it! Why is 5G speed so crap?
Is there no service
because I'm up in the mountains?
Jeez, my arm.
Where on earth am I?
What country am I even in?
An arrow?
A fox?
Oh, my back.
I'm right here, you know!
What the heck?
Goodness gracious.
They must be crazy.
You're shooting at a person!
Stop aiming this way! Don't shoot!
The fox went that way!
Who are you?
Are you Korean?
A suspicious being.
No. Wait.
The fox went that way.
Don't shoot.
What are you doing?
Why is he chasing me?
Don't follow me!
Oh my gosh!
This is Korea, right?
And you shot the arrows, right?
Who are you?
She looks rather strange,
from her hair to her attire.
Is that a silver dagger in her hand?
Judging by the way he spoke,
this definitely is Korea.
Is he a cosplayer?
Why is he in a hanbok?
Shouldn't you introduce yourself first
if you want to know who I am?
I kept yelling that the fox went that way.
Didn't you hear me?
I did.
What?
Then why did you keep shooting at me?
Are you crazy?
No, stop! Wait!
Who are you?
This shoots 10,000 volts.
You know what a stun gun is, don't you?
It stuns?
They say that if the king
misses the ritual,
he may anger the heavens,
and a gwinyeo, female ghost, may appear.
Could she be a gwinyeo?
Are you human or a ghost?
Or are you a nine-tailed fox?
What kind of reaction is this?
I'm just a person.
You wicked thing.
Who would call you "just a person"?
You crazy…
No, wait.
Listen. Okay, fine.
I'm not just any person.
I'm a three-star Michelin chef.
"Chef"?
The strange attire, frivolous speech,
and a look that shows you do not
understand a word I am saying.
You are most definitely a gwinyeo.
A beggar ghost.
What's wrong with this punk?
I can't take this anymore.
What did you say?
Fine. I admit that I look like a beggar.
I landed in a forest,
so my clothes got dirty.
But do you think you look normal?
What did you say? "You"?
How dare you address me in that manner?
What else should I call you then?
I can't call you "me," can I?
Oh, wait. Are you an actor?
Are you filming a historical drama?
You must be in the middle of a shoot.
Is it a movie? A drama?
Of all the things you are saying,
there is not a single word
I am able to comprehend.
Are you seriously out of your mind?
You can't aim at a person!
All right, shoot me.
Go ahead.
My handbag.
What the heck?
Did he actually shoot at me?
My hand
must have trembled.
Freeze!
You. Get off that horse. Now!
You know,
I have a black belt in taekwondo.
You're dead meat.
Come at me, gwinyeo.
Taekwon!
Taekwon!
Taekwon!
Oh dear. You're out of arrows.
I'll report you to the police
and have you locked up
for attempted murder, okay?
My cousin's husband's
uncle's nephew-in-law
is a lawyer who used to be a prosecutor.
- Wait.
- Your cousin's husband's
uncle's nephew-in-law?
That is practically a stranger, is it not?
Oh my.
You had a sword, huh?
I do not know which administrative office
he belongs to,
but he will also…
soon lose his head.
Don't come any closer!
My stun gun!
A gwinyeo's silver dagger.
How could you?
It did nothing but spark.
This has to be a dream.
If it is, please let me wake up.
Where did all that bravado go?
God, Buddha.
I swear to be good. Hallelujah, amen.
Now, I will let you go
to the afterlife.
Homage to the Amitabha Buddha!
A rebel?
Oh no!
Your Majesty!
Your Majesty!
His Majesty has disappeared.
Search every corner of the forest!
- Yes, sir.
- Yes, sir.
Make way!
Lord Im is passing through!
I cannot stand them.
You would think
it was His Majesty passing through.
Im Song-jae
became the chief royal secretary
even after marrying a princess,
and now his power has reached a new high.
IM SEO-HONG, IM SONG-JAE
Son.
Have you taken care of it?
I said one thing to the kitchen maids
at the Gyeonggi Governor's Office.
"Run away if you wish to live."
Even so, do not assume
things will go smoothly.
Gyeonggi Governor Hong Gyeong-dal
is an uptight old man
who believes Fourth Junior Consort Kang
manipulates His Majesty
and sends endless letters of appeal.
Father?
I will take care of everything, Father.
So do not worry and let us go, Father.
Oh my gosh!
Right, we fell together.
A rebel?
Wait. He was shot by an actual arrow?
He was.
Wait, hang on.
Hello?
Is anyone here?
Someone's injured!
Hey.
Hey, wake up.
How dare you?
Dare me, dare you. You need to wake up!
Darn it.
Blood!
Right, let's stop the bleeding.
I should have an ointment somewhere.
Here it is.
I'll use a good dollop of this on you.
No matter how crazy you are,
I can't just leave a patient out to die.
Right, 911.
My phone's in my handbag.
I don't want to touch him.
I'm going to check your pockets.
Okay?
Where's his phone?
Why are there no pockets?
Is it on this side?
Are you looking for this?
Oh jeez!
I think there's been
some kind of misunderstanding.
I was looking for your phone
to call for help
because you seemed badly hurt.
I don't have my phone with me
because you shot my handbag!
What?
How dare you!
Are you trying to trap me
with your strange words again
so you can have someone shoot at me?
You're paranoid.
Being at the scene of an accident
doesn't mean I caused it!
You cannot talk your way out!
The State Tribunal will reveal
who is behind all this.
Stay calm, Yeon Ji-young.
You crazy fool!
Don't you see
that I stopped the bleeding for you?
I saved your life!
She stopped the bleeding?
If that is true,
you must have kept me alive for a reason.
I saved your life, and this is what I get?
Let's make one thing clear.
However unstable you may be,
I'm not interested in taking your life!
Stop all the nonsense and die, gwinyeo!
Hand over the dagger this instant!
Forget it.
I'm leaving, so don't follow me, okay?
Halt!
I command you as the King of Joseon!
"King"? Just be quiet.
Don't say a thing, okay?
What a weirdo.
My words are not
getting through to her, are they?
I'm pretty good with a knife too.
She is quite extraordinary with a knife.
Did you see that?
Is she truly a gwinyeo?
Tell me your name, gwinyeo.
"Ginyeo"? As in courtesan?
I'm not a courtesan!
I'm just an ordinary person!
A person?
If so, who is your father?
Damn it. You're just hopeless!
The "Damn" family?
You've got to be kidding me right now.
I'm a chef!
I'm Chef Yeon Ji-young!
"Chef"?
I have never heard of
a Yeon family from Chef in my life.
Who in the world are you?
A cook!
I'm a cook!
All done.
Man, that was tiring.
Let's see.
Hey.
Hey, you.
What is this?
Did you tie me up?
Don't try to get smart with me
and stand up.
Do you have a death wish?
Do you not get the situation right now?
Get up, or I'm going on my own.
Fine.
Lead the way.
Unbelievable.
How is everything you say an order?
Try to keep up.
How far are you going to take me
to kill me?
Seriously!
Will you stop with that nonsense already?
If I wanted you dead,
I wouldn't have saved you.
You tied me up, yet you are acting
like you did me a favor.
So you acknowledge
that I was trying to save you, right?
I acknowledge
that you were not trying to kill me.
Do you also acknowledge
that I'm not a ginyeo?
I never said "ginyeo."
I said "gwinyeo," as in female ghost.
I don't believe this.
Let's go.
Come along.
Let's go.
Come on, let's go!
BONGDEOKGUNG
What happened?
What do you mean
His Majesty has not yet returned?
It seems he is enjoying the hunt
and delaying his return.
CHU-WOL
INSPECTOR COURT LADY
No.
He may love hunting,
but this has never happened before.
Something bad must have happened.
Is that it?
Did His Highness make a move?
7 YEARS AGO
Do you know who I am?
I first noticed you
at the courtesan house.
It was even before you had become
a fully fledged courtesan.
I heard your mother
sold you to Scholar Yi.
Did you really kill him?
Yes.
Every day must have been hell,
putting up with endless beatings by day
and taking that beast of a man by night.
But to a woman living on this land,
that is an everyday occurrence.
So what?
Are you saying it is only natural for us
to live like animals?
If I had to go back to living like that,
I would kill him again.
I will
get you out of here.
What do you want from me?
Do you desire
to enjoy a night with me before I die?
Do you also think
I am just one of those shallow men?
What I want
is not for you to be my woman.
I want your loyalty.
I may have killed a damned nobleman today,
but I may become a dangerous sword aimed
at your neck tomorrow, Your Highness.
How can you kill a man
who is already dead?
I died
ten years ago.
He is waiting for the right time.
He would not act so rashly.
- Chu-wol.
- Yes, Your Grace.
I must send an urgent message
to His Highness.
Very well.
Your Highness, an urgent message
has arrived from the palace.
His Majesty
has not yet returned to the palace.
Was he attacked by another assassin?
If that were the case,
a victim of the Muin Literati Purge
would be behind it.
Who would dare act without our knowledge?
We do not know everyone.
Countless people lost their masters,
friends, or brothers like we did.
It is impossible to know
each and every one of those people.
Even if someone did act on their own,
we cannot condemn them for it.
We have chosen to bide our time
for the right moment.
Even if the current king is a tyrant,
we must not test the times.
If one of us
has indeed…
acted on their own,
they will pay the price.
Do not forget
that it is our destiny
to wait for the time
to rectify the world.
- Yes, Your Highness.
- Yes, Your Highness.
Water.
Bring me water.
Listen.
I'm thirsty too.
Go look for a tavern nearby.
I need a cup of cinnamon punch.
This is just unbelievable.
Are you a die-hard fan or something?
You think you're actually
a Joseon king or what?
I see you finally get it.
I am the king of this country.
Did you hurt your head and not your chest?
I guess you do not want to believe it.
- Look closely.
- Oh jeez.
What do you want me to look at now?
What now?
What is this?
Is this a dragon?
Oh, so you're saying this is proof
that you're the king.
My gosh.
This is just sad.
You can rent robes like this
for three hours for 10,000 won
at Bongdeokgung.
- You really think I'd fall for that?
- What?
They are renting out my royal robes
at the palace?
Yes. People dress up
to tour the palace grounds.
Foreigners love it.
Why will you not believe
that I am the king?
Then what about you?
Why will you not believe I am a chef?
You are unbelievably frustrating.
What will you do if I really am the king?
You're a patient,
so I'll try to be understanding.
Go.
Go.
Come on.
Fine.
You are not the woman of my taste,
but once we return to the palace,
I will grant you a royal favor.
I will grant you a royal favor.
You'll do what? Grant a royal favor?
There are things you just shouldn't say,
no matter how crazy you are!
How dare you lay a hand on me?
I was too flustered to speak up earlier,
but I tend to get rough
when I hear rude nonsense.
Silence! Do you call that an excuse?
I don't believe this.
Who in the world are you?
Are you really an actor?
I am…
the king…
of this country.
You really are a persistent one,
aren't you?
That's enough.
Keep walking while I'm still willing
to put up with you.
Go.
Go.
It's a house!
Thank goodness.
Hey!
Will you slow down?
I know it's a small thatched house,
but you can't just kick down
someone else's gate like that.
Everything on this land belongs to me.
Why do I even bother?
Goodness.
FORBIDDEN
Hello?
Excuse me. Is anyone home?
Be quiet.
We are still within the geumpyo.
"Geumpyo"?
Yes. This is Salgoji Forest,
my hunting grounds,
so no one lives here.
Geumpyo…
I remember. Yeonhuigun.
What? "Yeonhuigun"?
Geumpyo, as in the prohibition signs.
Yeonhuigun tore down houses
and kicked people out
to clear space for his hunting grounds
and marked the boundary with the signs.
Who on earth is this Yeonhuigun?
There is no member of the royal family
I do not know of.
I thought you said you were a king.
You don't know the tyrant Yeonhuigun?
He sent treacherous subjects
as chaehong inspectors
to bring in all the women in Joseon
to offer him.
You really don't know him?
"Chaehong"?
You are not talking about me, are you?
Of course not. He lived centuries ago.
Also, Yeonhuigun was a king.
The worst tyrant of Joseon.
Why is he a tyrant?
You really don't know?
He ruled as he pleased,
tormented his people
to make his hunting grounds,
and had all the women
brought to him through the chaehong.
Beheading disloyal subjects
and establishing authority
is how you set the country right.
The people who lived
on the hunting grounds were relocated,
and the chaehong serves a noble purpose.
You should try to understand
his intentions,
instead of rudely calling him a tyrant.
And what? Treacherous subjects?
Why are you so worked up
when it's not even about you?
Let's be honest though.
Forget the rest,
but that chaehong thing is just wrong.
How can a person do such a thing?
Listen carefully, gwinyeo of Chef.
You're calling me that again.
A king's greatest duty
is to ensure an heir and preserve
the royal lineage and kingdom.
How could you condemn a king
who bestows his favor on all those women
and the loyal subjects
who uphold his noble intentions?
You're insane.
Studying history
must've messed with your mind.
That heir nonsense is just an excuse.
He was just crazy about women.
- What an excuse.
- What? "Crazy about women"?
How dare you run your mouth like that?
Sure, sure.
You can have all the heirs you want.
I'm going to do what I'm about to do
for my peace of mind.
I have no interest…
in men like you.
Do you not fear the consequences?
No, Your Majesty.
I live like there is no tomorrow.
How dare you!
Untie me this instant!
I will not untie you this instant!
What?
Untie me immediately!
I was so uncomfortable
in these damp clothes.
Those are perfect.
Oh my gosh, I'm aching all over.
What a weird day this has been.
Right?
I should be saying that.
Did you hear that?
I did.
Is someone here?
Hello?
Is someone there?
Hello?
Where the heck is the light switch?
It's so dark.
Is anyone here?
Hello?
You thief!
Did your father not teach you better?
What? Thief?
You clearly stole my clothes,
yet you deny it?
Oh, these are your clothes?
I'm sorry.
Forget it.
- Just hurry up and get out of here.
- Okay, I will.
I'll leave.
But before I do, where are we?
What neighborhood are we in?
I said forget it. Get out.
- Hurry up and get out!
- Wait!
- Get out!
- Hang on!
Stop it!
What is it with today?
It just doesn't end, does it?
Okay.
Listen.
I get why you'd misunderstand
the situation right now.
But it was dark,
I didn't know where I was,
and I saw a house and just came in.
Do you expect me to believe that?
If that were the case, should you not have
called out for the owner first?
I did, but no one answered.
That's why I thought
it was an empty house.
What if it were an empty house?
Does that mean
you can put on someone else's clothes
and go about like you own the place?
This whole place is Salgoji Forest.
So how can you not know where you are?
You call this place Salgoji Forest too?
That's not what I'm asking.
What region are we in?
You are in no position
to raise your voice!
This is the king's hunting grounds,
and we could get dragged away
if we get caught.
Do you really not know about the geumpyo?
"The king"? "Geumpyo"?
We are still within the geumpyo.
This is Salgoji Forest,
my hunting grounds, so no one lives here.
This is driving me insane.
Everyone here acts like
they're from another country.
Wait a second.
You're wearing a hanbok too.
This is some kind of set, isn't it?
"Set"?
What is that?
A place where they film movies and dramas.
What did you say? "Moose"? "Drums"?
Come on, don't mess around with me.
You're scaring me.
I am the one who is scared right now!
There's no way what he said was true,
and I'm really in the Joseon Dynasty.
Can you tell me what year this is?
The year?
Let me see.
It was the Year of the Black Sheep
last year,
so this year
is the Year of the Blue Monkey.
Year of the Blue Monkey?!
What is the matter now?
They're using the Heavenly Stems
to count the years?
No way.
Where did you say…
we are?
You are quite the strange one.
You do not know that we are inside
the geumpyo of Salgoji Forest in Ttukseom,
and you do not know what year it is.
Someone would think
you were from another world.
Where is…
the nearest convenience store?
Convi… What?
What kind of strange word is that?
What did you say?
Oh, a supermarket.
Soup… What?
Oh dear.
She doesn't know what a convenience store
or a supermarket is.
There's no way.
This must be a dream.
How can I be hungry when I'm dreaming?
To be honest,
I am a bit hungry.
Would you like something to eat?
Is this not a dream?
Goodness me. Do not be silly.
Hurry up and get up, will you?
I need to find my handbag first.
My phone's in it,
so I can figure something out then.
After we've had something to eat,
will you take me to a cliff nearby?
To a cliff?
At this hour?
I lost something,
and I really need to get it back.
There is only one cliff nearby.
What is there to eat here?
I'll cook for you.
Goodness.
Who is he?
What? He fell asleep so quickly.
Let's go. Where do we go?
Just follow me.
Oh my.
- Is this omija?
- Yes, it is.
Oh, it's bracken. Did you dry these?
Yes. I harvested and dried them all.
No way. This is dongchimi,
radish water kimchi.
That is delicious.
One, two, three.
By the way, what's your name?
It is Gil-geum.
- Seo Gil-geum.
- My name is Yeon Ji-young.
How old are you?
I am 18 years old.
Oh, I'm older.
I'll speak casually, if that's okay.
Sure.
There.
Using firewood is one thing,
but there's no electronic rice cooker,
and there are no lights either.
Is it even possible
that a place like this still exists?
Not to mention her.
Gil-geum, where did you find all this?
People usually look for fruits or herbs
with their eyes.
But I do that with my nose.
You have the nose of a dog, huh?
A heightened sense of smell.
Barley rice and wild vegetables…
Right, I have those.
They're here.
I have them.
It's time to show them what I can do.
This is a true natural, whole-food meal.
The deep aroma.
The smell of spring.
That is the smell of nature.
- Is this enough rice?
- It's perfect.
- What is that thing?
- All right.
Miss, this smells like filbert.
- Oh my.
- Oh, you mean hazelnuts?
This is called beurre noisette.
If you burn butter, it turns brown
and gives off a nutty aroma.
If you use that instead of sesame oil,
you get a completely different bibimbap.
This is too pretty to eat.
It looks like a painting.
I should go and make some nureunggaengi.
"Nureunggaengi"?
Look at him.
Hey. Wake up.
How can you sleep so deeply?
It was only hours ago when you were
trying to kill me, calling me a gwinyeo.
Here. Have some
before you go back to sleep.
It is fine.
You're sulking. Jeez, how petty.
What?
"Petty"?
I'll be the bigger person. Here.
Open your mouth.
I am fine.
Your body's asking for food.
Come on, just have a bite.
How can I trust you?
Hurry up. My arm hurts.
If you insist,
you taste it first.
THE COURT LADY TASTES THE KING'S FOOD
TO CHECK FOR POISON
You want me to do what?
Goodness.
Hey, Gil-geum. Join us.
It's fine.
He's not a bad person.
He's just troublesome.
Come.
Well, then…
Do excuse me, my lord.
He's not well.
I hope you understand.
Who are you?
Well…
She's the owner of this house.
Her name is Seo Gil-geum.
Say hello.
- Greetings.
- Shut it!
No one owns land within the geumpyo.
Oh, well, you see…
My gosh.
Are you two shooting a movie or something?
What's with you two?
Just forget it and dig in.
It tastes best now.
I'll have a bite first.
It may look fancy,
but it is just barley rice.
Come on.
It's not just your ordinary barley rice.
This is gochujang butter bibimbap
made by a three-star Michelin chef.
It's top-class French bibimbap.
"Fringe bibinbap"?
I used butter instead of sesame oil.
It's much less spicy
than when you just use gochujang,
and it has a richer flavor.
"Gochojang"?
"Batter"?
Here.
It looks like rice
mixed with other things.
What did she use instead of soy sauce?
What is that bright red thing?
It was so worth
picking out the vegetables ourselves.
The aroma is beyond compare
with the ones at a supermarket.
It's good. Perfectly seasoned.
Eat up, Gil-geum.
That fool will finish it all
if he changes his mind.
A lowly thing like me would not dare.
I see that at least you know
social order and manners.
"Social order"?
What's with the weird vibe?
It feels as if
I actually traveled back in time.
Oh, whatever.
Here.
Open up.
What do you think you are doing?
You're such a handful.
Are you going to eat or not?
Grab a proper spoonful.
Forget it. I don't care if you starve.
How can I eat it
if the spoon cannot even fit in my mouth?
I give up. You win.
Oh, our dear princess,
is this little bite good enough for you?
- Here you go.
- What did you call me?
A princess?
Upon closer look,
you're actually a prince.
Here you go, Your Highness.
Well? It's good, isn't it?
Are you truly trying to kill…
What, you can't handle the spice?
Come on.
Is it that spicy? It's not that bad.
It's not spicy. It's delicious.
Try it.
What kind of food is this?
- Is it spicy for you too?
- Yes! I am dying!
Tell me the truth.
What poison did you add to the food?
Despite the severely lacking situation,
I made you bibimbap
with gochujang and butter,
and that's what you say?
Forget it. Don't eat.
I'll finish the rest.
Wait, no.
I want more.
It was spicy and painful at first,
but what should I say?
Once the spiciness went away,
I could enjoy the flavors,
and it is rather addictive.
- Right?
- Yes.
It is the most delicious thing
I have ever tasted.
I knew you'd recognize good food.
Here.
See? I knew it.
It's good, isn't it?
It's delicious, right?
Do not put the spoon down.
Here.
Open up.
Open up.
Is it tasty?
Yes, Mother.
You should not skip your meals
just because your grandmother scolded you.
DEPOSED QUEEN YEON
YI HEON'S BIRTH MOTHER
A king is one who fathoms.
He must fathom his family,
the heavens,
and the hearts of others.
Is it that spicy?
We finished the food.
Let's clean up, Gil-geum.
Okay.
Thanks.
Let me.
Would you like a bowl, my lord?
- It's okay. I don't think he'll drink it.
- Okay.
Do we do the dishes here?
It is over here.
Is he crying because it is spicy?
It wasn't spicy enough to make you cry.
How strange.
She made me think of my mother
with such a simple meal.
Look under every stone by the river!
- Yes, sir!
- Yes, sir!
This is ridiculous.
You said you had the nose of a dog.
Does it smell that bad?
I think it smells fine.
Let's leave it out here to air
while we go out.
This is my revenge.
Oh my.
He looks normal when he's asleep.
You take such good care of your husband.
Don't be silly.
Gil-geum,
is that what you thought all this time?
Yes. Then why else--
It's not like that.
- I'll explain on the way. Let's go.
- Okay.
Let's find my handbag first.
He's unwell. I think he hurt his head.
The stream tells me
we're on the right path.
What did I tell you?
This is the only way to the cliff.
Miss, would you like to wash out
the dirt in your hair?
Can we? I do feel a bit gross.
Oh, that's cold!
It's colder than I expected.
Goodness me.
You cannot call this cold.
Watch me.
Oh my, how refreshing!
I'll just wash my hair.
My gosh. This is so nice!
Your Majesty!
Are you unharmed?
Do I look unharmed to you?
Forgive me, Your Majesty.
I will find and behead the band of rebels
and atone for failing to protect you,
Your Majesty.
Heed my words.
There is a traitor nearby
who has humiliated me.
- Find them.
- Yes, Your Majesty!
Miss.
Yeah?
Use this to dry your hair.
Thank you.
I am sorry for mistaking you for a thief.
Don't be.
I walked into your home
and wore your clothes without asking.
That is true.
By the way, Gil-geum,
why do you live in hiding?
Isn't that your home?
I live here to avoid the chaehong.
The chaehong serves a noble purpose.
Chaehong?
Yes, chaehong.
Do you not know what that is?
It is when they take all the women
to the palace.
Do you truly not know?
I do, but that happened
during the Joseon Dynasty.
Where do you think you are
if not in Joseon?
Are you saying
everything that fool said was true?
"That fool"?
Oh, the lord who is not well in the head?
So are you saying
this is the reign of Yeonhuigun?
Who? "Yeoninggun"?
How do you know about chaehong
but not Yeonhuigun?
I have never heard that name before.
Who is down there?
Hey, there are people.
Over here!
BON APPÉTIT, YOUR MAJESTY
Where are you from?
I'm from 500 years in the future.
I see. I will not take your life today.
- Open this door!
- Miss!
Will you be able to complete a dish
that will satisfy them
within the given time?
If we do this well, will you let us go?
If what you say is true,
I will try it myself.
Do not just stand there.
Strike that criminal at once!
I'm screwed.
He really was Yeonhuigun.
Subtitle translation by: Jennifer Jean Lim