Spoiler Alert: Things get steamy—emotionally, at least
Episode 9 of tvN’s weekend drama ‘The Tyrant’s Chef’ (aired April 20 in Korea) turned up the emotional heat—not just in the kitchen, but between the characters played by Lee Chae-min and Yoona of Girls’ Generation.
A Romance Brewing Over Moon Tea
In the episode, Yoona’s character Yeon Jiyeon is knee-deep in prepping for the third round of an intense culinary competition. But just when she needed a breather the most, in walks Lee Hong (Lee Chae-min) with a surprise that melted hearts and shook the fandom.
“I just wanted to see you specifically,” he tells her, handing over a cup of tea. This isn’t just any tea—he calls it “moon tea,” explaining, “the heavens’ moon appears in the teacup.” Jiyeon takes one look at the tea and breaks into a rare, soft smile. It’s the kind of K-drama moment that makes viewers pause, clutch their heart, and rewind twice.
When Words Hurt Less Than Burns
The mood shifts briefly when Jiyeon accidentally spills the hot tea on herself. Lee Hong immediately panics, insists on calling the royal doctor (because of course there’s one—it’s a sageuk-style setting), and refuses to let go of her hand.
But then comes the line that sealed this episode as a turning point: “Promise me you won’t get hurt again. When you’re in pain, it hurts me even more.”
If you didn’t audibly gasp, are you even watching the show?
K-Drama Chemistry Done Right
The slow-burn chemistry between Lee Chae-min and Yoona has been building up episode by episode. While the cooking competition is fierce, it’s the growing emotional vulnerability in scenes like this that keep fans glued to their screens.
And fans are eating it up. Social media flooded with posts like, “Protective Lee Chae-min is now my ideal type,” and “This scene deserves its own OST.”
What’s Next for Jiyeon and Lee Hong?
With the competition heating up and emotions boiling over, ‘The Tyrant’s Chef’ is cooking more than just five-star cuisine. Will this tender moment evolve into full-on romance, or is it just a simmer?
K-drama lovers, stay tuned. If this emotional tea-sharing moment tells us anything, it’s that the heart of this drama isn’t just about recipes—it’s about healing, connection, and maybe… a little love.
