LayarHijau – Netflix has just aired the final episode of the drama Bon Appétit, Your Majesty (폭군의 셰프). Starring Im Yoon-a as the modern chef Yeon Ji-yeong (연지영), who is transported back to the Joseon Dynasty, and Lee Chae-min as King Yi Heon (이헌), the series combines romance, culinary comedy, and palace intrigue. While presented in a light-hearted way, Bon Appétit, Your Majesty is filled with references to real historical events, particularly the reign of Yeonsangun (연산군), the 10th king of Joseon, notorious as a tyrant.
Queen Yun (윤씨): Yeonsangun’s ousted mother
Yeonsangun was the son of King Seongjong (성종) and Queen Yun (폐비 윤씨). Initially, Queen Yun was deeply favored, but her jealous nature caused conflicts. Historical records note that she once carried arsenic and frequently clashed with Queen Dowager Insu (인수대비). The breaking point came when she injured Seongjong’s face during an argument. Following this incident, Queen Yun was stripped of her status and, in 1482, ordered to commit suicide by poison.
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Before her death, she entrusted a blood-stained handkerchief to her family to be given to her son in the future. This heirloom eventually reached Yeonsangun after he ascended the throne and reportedly fueled his resentment and cruelty.
Why the son of a deposed queen still ascended the throne
Although his mother had been ousted and forced to die while he was still a child, Yeonsangun had been appointed crown prince from the start. His title was never revoked. Therefore, when Seongjong passed away in 1494, Yeonsangun legally became the 10th king of the Joseon Dynasty.
The ‘Chae Hong’ system (채홍): women forced into the palace
One of Yeonsangun’s most infamous policies was the “Chae Hong” (채홍) system. He ordered officials to collect women from across the country to serve in the palace, regardless of social status or age. The number of women was so large that Yeonsangun converted Buddhist temples and the Sungkyunkwan (성균관) educational institution into entertainment quarters. Although the families of the women received exemptions from taxes and labor, the policy sparked widespread public outrage.
Jang Nok-su (장녹수): the inspiration for Kang Mok-ju in the drama
In the drama, the character Kang Mok-ju (강목주), portrayed by Kang Han-na, is inspired by Jang Nok-su (장녹수). She was born into a low-status family, was married and had children, and later became a gisaeng (기생) in the household of Prince Je-an (제안대군). It was there that Yeonsangun became captivated by her beauty and artistic talents.
After entering the palace, Jang Nok-su gained official status as a concubine with significant influence. She skillfully manipulated the king’s emotions, further immersing Yeonsangun in indulgence and debauchery. She also used her position to enrich her family.
The tragic end of Yeonsangun and Jang Nok-su
Yeonsangun’s tyrannical rule ended with the Jungjong Coup (중종반정) in 1506. He was deposed, exiled to Ganghwa Island (강화도), and died there. Jang Nok-su was captured and executed, accused of being a “seductive woman who destroyed the country.”
Bon Appétit, Your Majesty frames this tragic historical tale through the fictional character Yeon Ji-yeong, who cooks with sincerity for King Yi Heon. In doing so, the drama provides romantic entertainment while also reminding viewers of the dark chapters in the history of the Joseon Dynasty.
Source: Beauty123.com
