Solo Dodo

This can be because this is an adaptation of the manhwa into a different media. (Not that I expect this to happen, but this type of diversion from the source material is not at all unprecedented.)

This show deftly explores the exact same basic theme (modern chef in historic Joseon) without too much overlap, in my opinion. I initially shared your fears, but have come to really appreciate how deftly the writers have crafted this to stand on its own merits.

This should be good. I liked that one where he married his grandma.

The King of this story is based on an historic Joseon King who—among other actions which resulted in him being labeled as a tyrant—rounded up maidens for his personal benefit. But this story also seems to draw inspiration from another tyrant King with similar proclivities, from classic fiction.

The book 'One Thousand and One Nights' includes multiple short stories-within-the overarching story which themselves have inspired many popular adaptations: Aladdin and his Magic Lamp, Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, The Seven Voyages of Sinbad the Seaman, etc. There are literally hundreds of these short stories within larger narrative. (The stories as translated into English in the late 1800's by Sir Richard Francis Burton fill 10 volumes.)

The overarching story is about a Tyrant King who amasses a huge harem of virgins, one of whom is brought to his bedchambers each night for, after which he has her killed so that no other man might be with her. Sheherezade is the name of the maiden who is brought to his room and—seeking to forestall her own death—manages to captivate the King with a compelling story she makes up on the spot until—at dawn—ending it on a cliffhanger. Of course the Tyrant declines to have her killed, and she is brought back the next night to continue the tale. And this goes on for another thousand nights until the King admits he has fallen in love with Sheherezade. Cue happy ending.

All that just to say that I note the similarities between Sheherezade and Yeon Ji Yeong, who similarly must prolong her life by continually impressing her tyrant King with novel and delicious meals. This drama isn't about the cooking competitions (per se) so much as never disappointing the palate of King Yi Heon.

While waiting for the next episode, I'm enjoying watching Yoona eat and watch chefs compete for her favor in two recent episodes of a popular K-Reality cooking show (also on Netflix) while promoting this K-Drama:

https://mydramalist.com/780006-please-take-care-of-my-refrigerator-season-2

The Ming chef's accents controversy has hit the MDL home page:

https://news.mydramalist.com/article/bon-app-tit-your-majesty-chinese-actor-sparks-controversy-over-remarks-about-k-actor-he-dubbed

I hope their superpowers aren't lame like being able to balance a pencil on its tip or bending a plastic spoon without it breaking.

Me either but it's a feature which is entirely allowed. 🤷🏻 Maybe try to care less about ratings and you can save yourself some angst.

I noticed this too. Also, Mr Queen made a point of expositing how dairy and oil were extremely rare in Joseon, but that is not an issue here.

It makes sense to me. He has a 'god tongue' which means he was constantly disappointed at every mealtime—until she arrived. And if she hadn't, he would no doubt be totally swayed by the Ming emissary's cooks' culinary superiority.

KTL was a sleeping pill. What I remember is she smiled a lot. She gets to be much more expressive here.

IRL young women go for older men ALL THE TIME. Unless a young man is handsome, tall, &/or rich he is at a disadvantage against older, more established men with attracting a female mate from his own age group.

Had to drop the last episode. Otherwise mostly-watchable show.

That's because CDramas average 91 episodes per season.

MDL accounts are allowed to rate shows whatever, whenever for any reason whatsoever.

It is! Episodes drop every Saturday & Sunday.

I want to watch this so much!

Thank you

How many episodes really? This page says 12, but in a recent article posted on the MDL main page, actress Jung Chae Yeon discusses "episode 13":

https://news.mydramalist.com/article/beyond-the-bar-jung-chae-yeon-on-what-it-took-to-play-a-lawyer

FWIW, Leverage was never this cold—or when it was, it provided heart, growth & compassion to balance out the creepiness. Parker is an example of a sociopathic character who learned how to embrace her humanity & feelings, and forge genuine connections with others. I doubt Yun I Rang will do the same.