tvN Strikes Gold with ‘The Tyrant’s Chef’
If you didn’t have a taste for drama before, tvN’s weekend series ‘The Tyrant’s Chef’ might just change that. Episode 8 of the culinary K-drama cooked up a storm on June 15, shattering its own viewership record and dominating the weekend primetime slot across all networks—including the major terrestrial players.
Record-Breaking Ratings: Served Extra Hot
According to Nielsen Korea, the latest episode scored an average of 15.8% in Seoul (peaking at 18.1%) and 15.4% nationwide, with the peak hitting 17.4%. That wasn’t just a personal best—it was the #1 most-watched show during its time slot on all Korean channels. Yes, including the big boys on public broadcast TV.
2049 Demographic Eats It Up
The show also served a winning menu to the coveted 2049 demographic (ages 20–49). In Seoul, it racked up a 5.5% average, peaking at 6.6%. Nationwide numbers were slightly higher with a 5.8% average and a 6.7% peak. For non-Korean readers, the 2049 demo is basically the holy grail for advertisers—it’s like getting the Beyoncé of TV audiences.
Cooking Battle Turns Kitchen into Warzone (In a Good Way)
So what had viewers glued to the screen? The drama’s sizzling kitchen duel between stars Lim Yoona and Jo Jae-yoon stole the show. The two actors went head-to-head in a fierce culinary face-off, turning the kitchen into a theatrical battleground. Between the intense performances and multi-sensory food visuals, one viewer commented: “It felt more like a fine-dining experience than a drama episode.”
Industry Buzz: “20% Ratings Are Within Reach”
Broadcast insiders are calling it the true beginning of the drama’s ascent. Surpassing the double-digit milestone so quickly is rare in K-drama land, and there’s speculation that with current momentum, the show could even crack the elusive 20% barrier.
“Everything’s in sync now: the story, the cast chemistry, the pace,” said one TV rep. “It proves once again why tvN dramas stand out in a crowded scene.”
Stars Make Waves in Online Voting Too
Meanwhile, leads Lim Yoona and Lee Chae-min are turning heads in the Netizen Awards, Korea’s web-based fan voting platform. As of June 15 at 3:58 p.m. KST, Yoona was holding the 11th spot for Best Actress with 213 votes. Lee Chae-min followed in 19th place for Best Actor with 107 votes.
The awards pit fan-favorites against one another in real-time—think of it as a digital popularity Hunger Games for Korean drama stars. Will these two climb higher on the leaderboard by month’s end? Stay tuned!
The Final Course
‘The Tyrant’s Chef’ isn’t just a drama anymore—it’s a weekend institution. With several episodes left on the menu, eyes are fixed on whether this sizzling success can stir up even more history on the ratings charts. Time to pass the popcorn—or maybe a bowl of kimchi stew.
