
In episode 10 of tvN's weekend drama "The Tyrant's Chef," which aired on the 21st, the relationship between the main characters Yeon Ji-young (played by Im Yoon-ah) and Lee Heon (played by Lee Chae-min) deepened significantly. They joined forces to clear the false accusation of attempted poisoning against the Grand Prince, and the broadcast received great acclaim from viewers. The episode recorded an average rating of 15.9% and a peak of 17.6% in the metropolitan area, ranking first in its time slot across all channels, including terrestrial broadcasters. Nationwide, it achieved an average of 15.8% and a peak of 17.3%. Additionally, among the 2049 male and female viewers targeted by tvN, the ratings were an average of 5.7% and a peak of 6.1% in the metropolitan area, and an average of 6.1% and a peak of 6.6% nationwide, securing first place in the same time slot.
Upon hearing that Yeon Ji-young had been taken away on charges of attempting to assassinate Grand Prince Jinmyeong, Lee Heon immediately headed to the prison. Queen Dowager Jahyeon (played by Shin Eun-jung) confronted Lee Heon as she faced the risk of losing her son, and in anger, Lee Heon drew his sword. At that moment, Yeon Ji-young's earnest plea caused Lee Heon to lower his sword, and they began a search with the goal of proving her innocence. However, no evidence was found, leaving them feeling helpless. Within the royal court, rumors spread that Yeon Ji-young had been bewitched by the king and tried to harm Grand Prince Jinmyeong, heightening the tension.
Queen Dowager Inju (played by Seo Yi-sook) gave Yeon Ji-young three days to prove her innocence, ordering her to take her own life if she failed. Yeon Ji-young narrowly escaped from the prison and took care of Lee Heon's servant before heading to his residence. Lee Heon longed to see Yeon Ji-young, and the two shared a moment confirming their feelings for each other. Lee Heon kissed her, saying, "This is a kiss for the woman I love most," and Yeon Ji-young's heart was moved by his tender gesture.
Afterward, the two began investigating the attempted assassination of Grand Prince Jinmyeong. While examining the medicine, food, and ingredients consumed by the Grand Prince on the day he collapsed, Lee Heon suddenly exhibited the same symptoms. During his investigation, he discovered that the herb Oryeongji was included in the Grand Prince's medicine. Oryeongji becomes poisonous when combined with ginseng. Upon this revelation, Sukwon Kang Mok-ju (played by Kang Han-na), who had orchestrated the plot, was engulfed in anxiety.
Furthermore, when Choo Wol (played by Kim Chae-hyun), a close aide who tried to kill the court lady who tampered with the Grand Prince's medicine, was caught, Kang Mok-ju made the extreme choice to kill Choo Wol. Kang Mok-ju was gradually cornered and faced a crisis. Meanwhile, Prince Jesan (played by Choi Gwi-hwa) was building the foundation for a coup by locating Lee Heon's maternal grandmother, Madam Shim (played by Ye Soo-jung).
Lee Heon prepared the Cheoyongmu dance to be performed at Queen Dowager Inju's banquet and held a private performance for Yeon Ji-young. He confessed his feelings, saying, "Please be my partner," and Yeon Ji-young was deeply touched by his sincerity. She was moved by Lee Heon's affectionate actions and responded to his cautious kiss, sharing a romantic moment.
The drama "The Tyrant's Chef" has only two episodes left before its finale, with episode 11 scheduled to air on the 27th. The series continues to enjoy steady popularity among viewers and is breaking its own highest ratings. According to Nielsen Korea, the performance of episode 10 once again proved the drama's popularity.