The Final Feast: Cast Bids Farewell
When tvN’s weekend K-drama The Tyrant Chef wrapped up its 12-episode run on May 4, fans weren’t the only ones lamenting the end. During the ‘No Exit from the Palace’ finale special, the main cast—Girls’ Generation’s Yoona, Lee Chaemin, Kang Hanna, Oh Euisik, and Lee Jooan—reunited to share behind-the-scenes stories and heartfelt reactions while watching the last two episodes together.
Memorable Death Scenes and Teary Tributes
Oh Euisik, who played the ever-loyal Im Sungjae, spoke openly about his dramatic departure in episode 11. Reflecting on Sungjae’s dying words, he said, “Some thought it was noble, others found it funny. Personally, I liked it—it felt true to the character.” Lee Chaemin added that Sungjae’s final moment was like “saying goodbye to a longtime lover.”
Kang Hanna, whose villainous Mokju met her end at the hands of Lee Jooan’s Gonggil, joked, “I couldn’t believe Gonggil killed me—it shattered my pride. But maybe Mokju deserved that ending.” She even humorously lamented, “The silver dagger should’ve been longer.”
Eye-Wide Open Acting and On-Set Challenges
Kang Hanna also spilled some acting secrets: her death scene was reshot with her eyes open on the director’s request. “It wasn’t easy. My eyelashes kept twitching—I just wanted to close my eyes,” she confessed, adding a dose of drama to the scene’s realism.
From Cooking Contests to Tragic Twists
While the first half of the show focused on imaginative royal cuisine and cook-offs, episodes 11 and 12 dove headfirst into betrayal and emotional wreckage. Oh Euisik admitted, “The second half got really interesting—I wish it had run longer.”
That Modern-Day Twist Ending
The ending, which saw Lee Chaemin’s Lee Hong time-slip into modern-day Korea and reunite with Yoona’s character Jiyeon, had viewers cheering. Yoona revealed that her final line—”We’d work great together in the kitchen”—was actually improvised. “I couldn’t let that moment pass,” she laughed.
Hopes for a Second Helping
The closing scene, where Lee Hong adjusts to life in the future, sparked chatter about a potential second season. Oh Euisik quipped, “They should make a ‘Lee Hong’s Life in Korea’ sequel,” with Kang Hanna echoing, “It feels like something new is about to start.”
Yoona’s Final Words
In an emotional wrap-up, Yoona shared, “2025 felt like I lived as Jiyeon for a whole year. Ending it in just 12 episodes feels so bittersweet.” Thanking the cast, crew, and fans, she added, “Your love meant everything.”
The Tyrant Chef may have closed its royal kitchen, but the appetite for a second season is stronger than ever.
