Girls' Generation member and actress Im Yoon-ah is expected to take on the lead role in the upcoming drama The Tyrant's Chef. On September 24, the South Korean media outlet OSEN reported that she had been offered the lead role in this time-slip series. The drama will be directed by Jang Tae-yoo.
The story follows a skilled chef who is transported back in time. She must serve a tyrant king known for his ruthless rule and discerning taste. This unique premise promises an intriguing blend of historical drama and gourmet storytelling.
The Tyrant's Chef marks Im Yoon-ah’s first TV role since the hit drama King the Land in 2023. She has a proven track record, showcasing her versatility in projects like Hush and Big Mouth, as well as the film Exit. Her return to television is highly anticipated by both fans and critics.
Im Yoon-ah's role in The Tyrant's Chef and its time travel plot
The Tyrant's Chef follows the story of a chef who, at the height of her career, time-slips to the past. There, she encounters a king infamous for his ruthless tyrant but also a connoisseur of fine food.
Im Yoon-ah has been offered the title role, stepping into the chef's shoes. Her character will face the challenges of serving the king, who will scrutinize her culinary creations. Her return to television in The Tyrant's Chef is highly anticipated.
According to OSEN, Im Yoon-ah and Jang Tae-yoo have recently met to discuss the project. The drama is directed by the acclaimed Jang Tae-yoo, known for his work in Korean dramas.
Jang Tae-yoo is recognized for his successful work on SBS dramas like The Painter of Wind (2008) and Deep-Rooted Tree (2011). He has gained fame for directing My Love from the Star (2013), which helped popularize Korean dramas globally.
His directing skills span both modern and historical genres, with credits like Hyena (2020) and Lovers of the Red Sky (2021). His latest drama, Knight Flower (2024), aired earlier this year and achieved impressive ratings, peaking at 18.4%.
More about Im Yoon-ah
Im Yoon-ah, known as Yoona, is a South Korean singer and actress who debuted in 2007 as a member of the girl group Girls' Generation. The group has become one of the best-selling artists in South Korea and one of the most widely recognized girl groups globally. Besides her music career, she has become well known for her acting in television dramas.
The actress gained recognition in 2008 with her role in You Are My Destiny, a performance that won her the Best New Actress awards at the 23rd KBS Drama Awards and the 45th Baeksang Arts Awards. Since then, she has taken on diverse roles in various dramas. Some of her notable works include Love Rain (2012), Prime Minister & I (2013), The K2 (2016), The King in Love (2017), Hush (2020–21), Big Mouth (2022), and King the Land (2023).
Yoona has also appeared in multiple films such as Confidential Assignment (2017), Exit (2019), and Confidential Assignment 2: International (2022).