Historical Background of “Bon Appétit, Your Majesty”
“Bon Appétit, Your Majesty” is more than just a romance drama. Set against the backdrop of the Joseon royal palace, the series intertwines food and power, love and survival. Understanding its historical setting enriches the drama and adds layers of meaning to each scene.
The Royal Kitchen: Suragan
The drama unfolds in the Suragan (royal kitchen), the heart of palace life where the king’s meals were prepared. The Suragan was far more than a kitchen — it was a political and symbolic space.
- Strict regulations: Ingredients, recipes, and table settings followed rigid codes and traditions.
- Symbol of health and authority: The king’s meals represented not only nourishment but also the legitimacy of his rule.
- A stage for politics: Decisions in the kitchen could ripple into larger political outcomes.
The Era of King Yeonsan
The king featured in the series is Yeonsan (Yi Yung), the 10th monarch of Joseon, remembered as one of the most infamous tyrants in Korean history.
- Reign: Ascended the throne in 1494, deposed in 1506 during the Jungjong Rebellion.
- Key events: The Literati Purges (Muosahwa in 1498 and Gapjasahwa in 1504), infamous for silencing scholars and officials.
- Reputation: Known for censorship, indulgence, and abuses of power, he became a symbol of tyranny.
At the same time, historical records suggest Yeonsan had a deep interest in banquets and food. This duality inspired the novel and drama’s creative vision of him as a “tyrant gourmand.”
Cultural Imagination in the Drama
The series adds a time-travel twist, introducing a modern chef into Joseon’s world. This cultural clash creates moments of humor, suspense, and reflection.
- Kitchen contrasts — Modern hygiene and cooking science clash with Joseon’s traditional methods.
- Food as power — A single meal becomes a political weapon and a symbol of survival.
- Love and survival — Human connections emerge under extreme conditions, fueling the story’s emotional core.
Why the Historical Setting Matters
This drama is not only about food; it is about history, power, and human resilience. By anchoring the story in Yeonsan’s reign but reimagining it through cuisine, the series explores the delicate boundary between fact and fiction.
In short: The palace of “Bon Appétit, Your Majesty” is not merely a backdrop. It is a world where food equals power, survival, and love.
