tvN's hit drama The Tyrant's Chef closed its run on September 28 with a nationwide rating of 17.1% (Nielsen Korea), marking its highest score to date. The finale delivered heart-fluttering romance but left fans debating its rushed and evasive conclusion.
Time-Slip Twist, Then a Shortcut
The final episode revealed the secret behind the time slip: Lee Heon (Lee Chae-min), the tyrant-turned-chef from the 1500s, was the one who wrote the Mangunrok, summoning Ji-young (Im Yoon-a) to the past. She awakens to realize this truth—only for the story to abruptly reunite the two in the present.
Lee Heon appears in a modern suit at Ji-young's restaurant, sealing their reunion with a kiss. But how he traveled to the present, or why they met again under such circumstances, was brushed aside with Ji-young's line: "It doesn't matter how. We met again, and that's enough." The drama effectively chose a "happy-but-avoidant" ending, leaving major plot devices unresolved.
Performances and Chemistry Shine
Despite narrative gaps, audiences remained captivated thanks to stellar performances. Im Yoon-a showcased her rom-com expertise—previously proven in King the Land—with lively charm and heartfelt emotion. She prepared intensively for her role, studying both Korean and French cuisine for three months, allowing her to perform without a chef double on set.
Lee Chae-min emerged as a rising star. Though he joined the cast just ten days before filming after Park Sung-hoon's departure, he embodied Lee Heon with sharp charisma and comic charm. His horseback riding, archery, swordplay, and even traditional dance scenes were handled with precision, winning praise.
Ratings Boom and Legacy
From a modest 4.9% in its premiere, The Tyrant's Chef ratings skyrocketed: 6.6% (ep. 2), 11% (ep. 4), 12.7% (ep. 6), 15.4% (ep. 8), and finally 17.1% in the finale. The combination of historical intrigue, quirky CGI, delicious food scenes, and the bittersweet romance kept audiences hooked.
Next Up on tvN
The follow-up drama Typhoon Boss premieres on October 11 at 9:10 p.m. KST. Set during Korea's 1997 IMF financial crisis, it stars Lee Jun-ho as a rookie salaryman who unexpectedly rises to company president, promising a heartfelt workplace saga.
Would you like me to expand this piece into a global-friendly feature, comparing The Tyrant's Chef ending with other famous K-dramas known for controversial finales?
