Detail slip in drama 'Bon Aappetit, Your Majesty' reignites debate on accuracy in K-dramas

A cultural stumble in a global spotlight

On its highly anticipated debut last weekend, new historical-fantasy drama '

Bon Appetit, Your Majesty

' was meant to showcase Korean storytelling in its most polished form. Instead, sharp-eyed viewers caught a glaring inconsistency: a Chinese character miswritten on a banner in a key scene. The drama, starring Girls' Generation's Yoona as modern-day chef Yeon Ji-young and Lee Chae-min as a Joseon monarch, featured a flag that should have read "Taepyeongseongdae" (太平聖代), a phrase evoking prosperity under wise rule. Instead, the last character was replaced with one of similar pronunciation but entirely different meaning - "big" (大) instead of "era" (代). For a drama positioning itself at the crossroads of history and fantasy, the error was both embarrassing and disruptive.

Producers move quickly to control the damage

Within hours of the online outcry, the production team issued an apology acknowledging the mistake. They promised that revisions would be made before reruns and streaming versions air, vowing stricter review processes in the future. "We are aware of the error in the representation of 'Taepyeongseongdae,'" the statement read. "The team will correct the mistake and ensure it does not recur. We deeply apologize for the confusion."

While quick to act, the apology has done little to stem criticism from those who argue that such lapses should never have occurred in the first place.

Popularity endures despite the misstep

Ironically, the controversy comes as the drama rides strong momentum. According to Nielsen Korea, the show's nationwide cable ratings climbed from 4.9 percent in its premiere to 6.6 percent in its second episode, reflecting growing domestic interest. On the series surged to the No. 1 spot in multiple South American markets, including Brazil and Chile, and placed fifth in France. The show, adapted from the web novel 'Surviving as Yeonsan's Chef', mixes time-slip fantasy, survivalist comedy, and romance. It tells the story of a modern chef transported into the past to cook for a feared Joseon ruler renowned for his ruthless power and refined palate. With such an ambitious premise, fans argue, the drama cannot afford to mishandle the cultural scaffolding on which its fantasy rests.