Original subtitles

BON APPÉTIT, YOUR MAJESTY

[guard] Who goes there?

[gasps]

Oh!

No way. A coup?

His Majesty? What happened to His Majesty?

YI HEON: THE KING OF JOSEON

[Su-hyeok] Your Majesty. Your Majesty, you must get out of here immediately!

Your Majesty!

[shouts]

[whistles]

Who are you scoundrels?

GONG-GIL: YEONHUIGUN'S JESTER

Oh, we're jesters. Why even bother asking?

Drop your sword!

Cook Yeon, hurry!

[grunting]

Cook Yeon,

please.

You must stay safe.

[yell]

[pants]

[Ji-young] The purge hasn't even happened, so what the hell is going on?

Gong-gil, tell me.

You know how the soldiers wore red headbands and all...

Could this be...

Treason.

TREASON: TO PLOT BETRAYAL

What?

Who's behind all this?

The faction led by Grand Prince Jesan.

They already killed Im Seo-hong, the Second Minister of Works.

Now they are targeting you, so I immediately came here.

Targeting me?

And His Majesty? Do you know where he is?

I do not know yet.

We have to hide for now. It is our only choice.

What is even going on? I've gotta go see His Majesty right now.

Did you not hear me? They are after you.

Is he really worth all that worry?

Yes. I guess you're not that bothered.

Just think, what if you get captured by the rebels?

Don't you get it?

The way that you can help His Majesty is in staying alive, Chief Royal Cook.

[sighs]

His Majesty endured it all so well, and yet...

How could something like this happen?

[sighing]

For Her Royal Highness to summon us at this hour,

do you maybe think she has heard about our gathering?

HAN MIN-SEONG: CHIEF STATE COUNCILLOR

I think Her Royal Highness could have finally made a decision about this.

PARK WON-JUN: LEFT STATE COUNCILLOR

That must be it, we all witnessed the wrath of His Majesty.

Well, let's go find out.

We should hurry.

Yes.

-[sword unsheathes] -Huh?

Your Highness, what is going on?

You have a sword in your hand, for what?

I move to carry out a royal command.

What do you mean, a royal command?

The order to eliminate those drunk on power

and have betrayed the Han family,

to control our country from the shadows.

Then

it was not Her Royal Highness who summoned us.

Scoundrel!

Have you no fear of the heavens above?

Heavens?

The heavens, you say...

[laughing]

Do not worry.

Your timely death will go down as a maneuver of the tyrant,

the current king.

Bu-But... But...

-[grunts] -[shouting, groaning]

Go to your eternal rest.

[yelling]

-Please open the gate, open the gate! -No, no! No, no!

[Jinmyeong] Mother, I am so scared.

-[swords clanking] -[grunting]

It is okay. Everything is going to be okay.

GRAND PRINCE JINMYEONG: YI HEON'S HALF-BROTHER

QUEEN DOWAGER JAHYEON: YI HEON'S STEPMOTHER

What are you here for?

[Jesan] Your Royal Highness,

a great uproar has arisen.

So I came to see you both at once.

What is going on now?

Please do not be alarmed.

His Majesty went crazy.

He killed his own beloved grandmother just earlier

and slaughtered the ministers of the court indiscriminately.

Are, um...

Are you informing me that she

has really passed on?

THE DEATH OF A NOBLE PERSON

-I must have just missed it. -[sighs]

That is why the scholars of the Sarim faction and I gathered immediately,

making our way into the palace, risking discourtesy,

to guard and watch over you and Grand Prince Jinmyeong.

In that case, I demand to know.

Where is His Majesty now?

His Majesty made his way into Salgoji Forest

to battle against all the courageous rebel forces

that rose up against this terrible tyrant.

Fighting in the forest?

[sighs]

Oh, my. Mother, are you okay?

-Mother. -Goodness, Jinmyeong.

What are we to do now?

-[Jesan] Your Royal Highness. -[grunts]

It is clear.

Grand Prince Jinmyeong must ascend the throne immediately.

Um... What did you just say?

How can you say such outrageous things when His Majesty is still alive and well?

Are you saying my son is the one you want as the figurehead of your revolt?

GROUP OF TRAITOROUS REBELS

Are you

truly that blind to not realize that...

the tyrant's blade will be directed at you next?

Neither one of you can be hurt by him.

At least not until he is banished and finally deposed.

Even so...

Jinmyeong is still young and very immature.

[Jesan sighs]

So does

disaster need to strike

until my advice sinks in for you?

[sobbing]

Give me time.

Give me three days to just think on it.

-It is imperative we hold a funeral... -There is no time, Your Highness.

The throne must not remain empty for even a moment.

As soon as dawn breaks tomorrow, we will hold the coronation.

RITUAL OF INFORMING THE PEOPLE AND ANCESTORS OF A NEW KING

Of that, I'm sure.

In what way

will you deal with the consequences, when His Majesty finally does return to us all?

He will not...

return here alive or with dignity.

His poor Majesty.

[grunts]

[panting]

[Su-hyeok] Your Majesty.

Your Majesty...

Your Majesty...

[grunting]

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty!

COURSE N° 12 HWANSEBAN

[sighs]

[eunuch] Queen Dowager,

there has been a great disturbance in the palace, so we have brought the royal seal.

Yes, enter.

On behalf of the Office of the Royal Seal...

SEALED CHEST: CHEST THAT HOLDS THE ROYAL SEAL

...here is the sealed chest. We ask you for your wise judgment, Your Royal Highness.

Deliver this answer, tell the Second Minister of Rites...

1 OF 6 OFFICES OF CEREMONIES, RITUALS, AND EDUCATION

...that Her Royal Highness will restore order to our court

by upholding the will of the royal ancestors and the state of Joseon.

Soon, the king's coronation will be carried out.

-Prepare the officials for an assembly. -Yes.

ASSEMBLY: ALL OFFICIALS APPEARING AT COURT

TO HAVE AN AUDIENCE WITH THE KING

Now, please issue the royal decree.

ROYAL DECREE: A DOCUMENT CONTAINING THE KING'S COMMAND

[door closes]

Very well.

I shall write the decree.

However, it will not be limited to the issue of his coronation.

It will also usher in a new period for our kingdom.

That does make sense.

I, too, will firmly hold onto the hands

of Grand Prince Jinmyeong, who will soon ascend the throne,

and present a new heaven and earth before all of our people of Joseon.

[chuckles]

[laughs]

Did you hear? The king went mad last night, murdering his own grandmother,

and he took the souls of all of his loyal ministers.

Word is that after those atrocities, he went out hunting.

My goodness!

I heard the King will be dethroned, and a new one will rise.

Who will be the new King?

Grand Prince Jinmyeong, I heard he will be taking the throne.

They say the King died in an accident at the hunting spot.

-The King has passed away? -[servant] Mm-hmm.

-Really? -I heard it too.

-They say he was burned to death. -Goodness.

-That is truly divine retribution. -[servant] Indeed.

CORONATION CEREMONY

[In-jae] The nation has accumulated virtue for a hundred years,

laying a deep and solid foundation.

Unfortunately, our current king strayed from the path of a just king,

weakening the trust of our people and plunging them into distress.

Thus, for the sake...

[Jahyeon] ...of our nation and its people,

by the mandate of the heavens, I appoint Grand Prince Jinmyeong as the new king,

ascending him to the throne as the eleventh King of Joseon.

As the newly crowned king,

may you govern wisely and raise our people up from their misery

into a future filled with hope and peace.

[Jesan] Long live the king!

[group] Long live the king!

YOO MUN-JEONG: MINISTER OF PERSONNEL

KIM YANG-SON: DIRECTOR

SUNG IN-JAE: RIGHT STATE COUNCILLOR

Long live the king!

Long live the king!

[Jesan sighs]

[In-jae] It seems the era of the tyrant has finally ended.

[chuckles]

You deserve the praise.

You have all been through so much up until now.

This is all thanks to you.

Hard-working ministers you are.

[laughing] Soon, people's hearts will turn to you.

And when they do, Your Highness,

you must ascend the throne.

And become a wise and honorable king.

[ministers] Become a wise and honorable king.

[chuckles] Well, my goodness... [clears throat]

It's been no more than half a day

since he's been crowned and has taken on the throne.

Spare your words, please.

[Mun-jeong laughing]

Yes, Your Highness.

But what ever transpired with the king who went to Salgoji Forest?

They say there were no survivors.

So it seems not one of them made it through the battle of last night.

I am only asking because

I think it is kind of bewildering she knew she had to escape.

Do not be concerned,

for in a palace without the King, her day's here are numbered.

Just trust it.

His Majesty agreed to dine with Her Royal Highness.

So, that is just totally impossible. There is no way that could've occurred.

Why would he want to hurt Her Royal Highness? Or his ministers?

He has effectively changed overnight.

There is nothing we can do now.

[sighs]

If Grand Prince Jinmyeong has ascended the throne,

what kind of destiny does the king have in store?

They say that he suddenly went missing

after he entered the forest and learned of your capture by the traitors.

I guess I'm the reason he went.

They say the forest where His Majesty went

is littered with bodies as if a clash ensued.

That is to say that although they did not find a body,

it is unlikely he is among the survivors.

No way...

I will go see if there is any other word.

Until then, I ask you, please, just wait here.

Uh... Ho-Hold on a minute!

Take this.

Can you go and find the king and get this delivered?

To let him know I'm fine.

Can do.

[door opens, closes]

[sobbing] Lady Kim...

EOM BONG-SIK: SENIOR-LEVEL COOK

To think you would die such a senseless death.

I am having a hard time coming to terms with all this.

I can't believe how the world may changed overnight...

The Chief Royal Cook will be safe, right?

I am worried because of her sudden disappearance.

[Gil-geum] I know.

She didn't tell me she was planning on going.

It sure would be so lovely and I pray she gets to return

to the future where she claimed that she lived.

What are you talking about?

Hang on. She's from the future?

-Yeah, ah... -Gil-Geum, are you okay?

-I hope you're not getting sick? -[sighs]

There are already more than enough crazy people around here as it is.

So, why don't you get a grip?

God, seriously.

Why won't any of you ever believe me?

This is exactly the reason she never told any of you this.

[crying]

What they are saying about His Majesty going crazy

and blowing up the palace into chaos, could it really be true?

I know he's been wild on occasion, though this is certainly different.

So I am having a hard time believing it.

[Bong-sik crying]

[Gong-gil] How have you all been?

[Ji-young] Your Majesty,

where could you possibly be?

[Yi Heon] Who are you?

A Korean?

[Yi Heon] Could she be a gwinyeo?

No, no, no!

[Yi Heon] Halt!

Therefore,

I declare her

our new Chief Royal Cook immediately!

[Ji-young] Going through those scary and difficult times has made me realize...

[Yi Heon] A true cook does not blame time,

instead they carefully select ingredients with intention.

Then they can create a masterpiece.

[Ji-young] ...that you

always made me want to become a better chef.

[Yi Heon] Today, I do not wish for a meal of any kind.

[Ji-young] If you're not there to eat my food,

I'll have no reason to cook anymore.

[Yi Heon] Promise me

that you will not get hurt again.

[Ji-young] Now I can finally be honest with my feelings.

I'm really missing you

a lot.

[sighs]

Ambush!

[In-jae] Are you telling me that you lost the dethroned King?

DETHRONED KING: THE DEPOSED KING

Your Highness, this is not a disaster if he speaks the truth.

[Deok-chul sighs]

I apologize, Your Highness.

Within three days, I will retrieve the dethroned king's head

and bring it before you.

[sigh]

Do not worry.

Because a tiger who is lost and far from home

can do nothing but let out a mournful cry.

-[chuckles] -[officer] Minister!

-Enter! -[door opens]

The last of the Urimwi have ambushed the north gate.

What?

The Urimwi launched an ambush?

What should we do? A new king has ascended the throne.

This is an act of betrayal.

[laughs]

What more do you think a deposed king might do while out on the run?

-[door opens] -[captain] Your Highness, Your Highness.

You are needed urgently!

To think that entering my own home would be so difficult...

[sighs]

So it was you, Consort Kang.

I did not want to believe it.

I even brushed off the incident with the Grand Prince as hearsay.

[scoffs]

To think those fingers that once gave solace...

had blades concealed inside.

Look, Your Majesty.

I waited for this from the very beginning.

I do not need for you to forgive me or need your empathy.

[laughing]

Yes. Spoken like the great Consort Kang.

But do not forget

that the man who laughs with a knife

is sooner or later bound to be cut himself.

Grand Prince.

You have arrived, Your Majesty.

Yes.

I made it back alive.

We're best to have one last talk.

[scoffs]

[chuckles]

I see our plans for the battle in Salgoji were inadequate.

You clearly were properly prepared.

But

you chose the wrong location.

The tyrant who committed atrocities against his people

happened to meet a curse from the skies while pursuing mass battle in the woods.

Is that not the picture you had in mind?

However, you overlooked the fact

that Salgoji has terrain with which I am familiar.

Ah...

Something that could be overlooked, that is right.

And yet,

in spite of foreseeing there was treason afoot, you continued on no matter what,

knowing the ringleader was always me, after all?

Just before my journey to Salgoji Forest, I learned about it.

I was not certain of it.

Hmm...

Do share?

[Ji-young] Sharp edges of things are often made hard to see for people.

And when you sleep, lock the latch securely, and make sure you do. It's true.

[Yi Heon] Is this not a cipher?

CIPHER: USING SOUNDS OF CHINESE CHARACTERS

TO REPRESENT KOREAN

Did Tang Bailong send me a message in code?

Je for "edge..."

JE

...san for "latch."

SAN - JESAN

[Jesan sharply exhales]

[laughs]

I suppose that cook from Ming exposed us all.

Well, in any case, you have just lost everything.

Is that not so?

This is karmic retribution for the Muin Purge, you know?

Oh, well. Regardless of what happens here,

be ready to face all the penalties.

I am already without my crown.

What more could you perhaps want?

The Han family and your very own grandmother who you resented...

I killed all of the Han clan off for you, didn't I not?

[laughing]

See.

It is your turn to put it all out on the table now.

It is no lie that I once wanted to kill every single one.

Though, my grandmother and I intended to make peace.

What is reconciling going to do?

What about the blood of the loyal subjects,

trampled beneath your heel during the Muin Purge?

[screaming, groaning]

The ministers you brought down using chaehong,

spearheaded by the Chief Royal Secretary,

under the pretext of avenging the deposed queen?

Those days!

Did you seriously forget every one of them?

Could there be a greater horror!

Truly, this is all my fault.

Even if I spoke with countless mouths...

I might not have the words still.

You are only regretting it now?

What more could I have done

to wash away those sins?

It is hard to tell

if those sins can be washed away.

But the thoughts of them...

will torment me for the rest of my days.

That is the reason why I set everything right with a political revolution.

Your mother's demise and that poor decision the Han clan and your father made

in placing you on the throne!

You! You were not destined to rule as king.

This mighty Kingdom and that power was never yours!

I knew it. I guessed this was the reason.

Uncle, you are the one that wanted to become the king.

Will you tell me then,

after everything, why did you return?

That is because

there was nowhere to run in all the eight regions of Joseon.

So I am here to make peace with you once and for all.

Well, then.

What do you want?

Please share.

Just promise me that you will safeguard Jinmyeong's rule

so that he does not make the same mistakes I did.

Then, I will bear everything and walk the forsaken path of a dethroned king.

I am already going to do that.

[scoffs]

Oh, how noble you are.

Very well.

I am planning to exile you

to your own mother's grave.

Very well.

It seems this burden is my path to atonement.

If that is what it takes, then so be it.

Aw...

[Yi Heon] As I thought, I cannot leave you like this, Uncle.

-For if I am a living sinner... -[laughing]

...you uncle, you are truly a mad tyrant.

[Gong-gil] You sure have changed a lot after meeting the Chief Royal Cook,

Your Majesty.

[In-jae] Here is the diary you requested.

May this be seen as a gesture of the Grand Prince's kindness.

You will not be getting any of these types of meals.

MANGUNROK

[Yi Heon] Cook Yeon,

are you still alive?

[Chang-seon] The Chief Royal Cook's longing

for the who and where she left behind is quite a remarkable thing.

HWANSEBAN

"Hwanseban" rather suits it, do you agree?

[Yi Heon] When my beloved

reads this diary

one day,

I hope she will return

to my side.

At that moment, from the very beginning,

I shall recognize you.

At that moment,

from the very beginning, I shall love you.

So you have made it out alive...

Cook Yeon.

What a relief.

His Majesty truly is alive?

His situation is rather dire.

-But yes. -[sighs]

I have delivered the butterfly norigae,

so His Majesty must have realized that you are still alive.

So, um...

is he going to be exiled after all?

Uh...

Who told you?

They said he'd be sent into exile.

EXILE: PUNISHMENT WHERE A CRIMINAL IS SENT TO A FAR LAND

[Ji-young] These events are unfolding as they did in history,

even though he didn't initiate a purge.

If he keeps going like this, he won't last long in exile.

But you said you are from the future.

Oh...

Then what will happen after the exile?

It's been recorded that he crosses over not long after.

Ah, yes.

It appears merciful at first glance.

Who knows what will happen to him during his exile.

Gong-gil.

We have to save His Majesty at all costs.

So, please lend a hand? Can you?

[sighs]

-[local] Is he really the king? -[local 2] That bastard, he's the one...

[local 3] We should not be exiling him. We should just be chopping off his head!

[Jahyeon] The condemned, Yi Heon, ascended to the throne

by the will of heaven. And yet, not only did he neglect his governmental duties,

he also killed and oppressed his ministers without reason.

And as if that was not enough, he committed the heinous crime

of murdering the Grand Royal Queen Dowager,

then staged a rebellion just a day after being dethroned.

As a result, his rank is lowered to Yeonhui.

And I sentence him to exile in Ganghwa.

Yeah, that's right. Yeonhui?

You don't know the tyrant Yeonhui? The greatest tyrant of Joseon.

[Yi Heon] How did you know that I would like this dish?

I studied Yeonhui quite a bit.

I am from the future. Honestly.

Yeonhui...

I was the one.

Cook Yeon,

you really

recognized me right from the start.

You do not seem to be very happy.

I would have to be crazy to smile right now.

[laughs]

Then I must be crazy?

[laughing]

Your Highness, it seems like everything is finally over.

-A job well done. -[Jesan] Hmm...

To kill a fire, we must be sure to snuff out the ember as well.

There is still cleaning to do.

You mean...

I was not so sure that he deserved to live.

Truly wise, Your Highness.

Lord Sung and Lord Kim, please stay in the palace and watch over His Majesty.

Lord Yoo, can you prepare the soldiers?

[Mun-jeong] As you wish, Your Highness.

Deok-chul.

-Yes, Your Highness. -Take good care of Her Grace.

I will not be at the palace for a while.

Yes, Your Highness.

[performer] Whoa, whoa. Hang on, sir.

Come over here!

[performer] Come on, I gotta make a living!

-Step back! I said step back! -[performer 2] Move!

Hey!

[Ji-young] How dare they lay a hand on my possession?

They all need to be disciplined.

Cook Yeon...

What are you doing here?

Do not be scared.

Get out of here. Quickly!

I'll come back, yeah?

You must wait and stay patient.

Bang!

-You got it? -Act responsibly.

I also have an idea.

-[soldier] Step back! -Cook Yeon!

[gasping]

[performer 1] My goodness, okay. We're going, we're going.

Everyone, let's go!

-[soldier 2] Finally, let's keep moving. -Cook Yeon...

[soldier 2] Hurry up.

[Yi Heon] Cook Yeon.

Cook Yeon.

[soldier] Stop. Drag him out!

[soldier 1, soldier 2] Yes, sir!

[soldier 3] I'll keep this brief.

Blame the heavens.

[scoffs]

I knew it.

Typical behavior.

[shouts]

[Su-hyeok] Now!

[horses whinny]

Your Majesty, how are you getting by?

[grunts]

Thank goodness you are here.

Your royal sword.

[Yi Heon] Since my first prediction was correct,

the second one will be, as well.

Wait and see.

I know that

Uncle will want to check I am deceased.

So getting rid of my uncle for good,

that is the last thing I can do for Jinmyeong.

Mark my words.

-[horse neighs] -[soldier shouts]

Well, well, well. Tsk, tsk, tsk.

It seems I overestimated you, Your Majesty.

I had figured that you'd have a sizable group of followers,

but to think that this would be all you have.

[soldiers laughing]

If you have run out of options,

you will die right here today.

[Ji-young] Your Majesty!

[panting]

Cook Yeon!

I couldn't not come save you.

Gong-gil and everyone else have come to save you, too.

Gong-gil.

[Bong-sik] Cook Yeon!

-[Gil-geum] Miss! -[panting]

[Bong-sik] Cook Yeon!

-Cook Yeon! -Oh, God. Miss!

-[Maeng] Chief Royal Cook! Your Majesty! -Your Majesty!

Gil-geum!

Uh... How did you get here?

Gong-gil, he mentioned it to us.

What?

[Gong-gil clears throat]

So... Now then,

time to get this battle started, am I right?

-Here we go! -[shouting] Let's go!

The royal kitchen cooks and the jesters.

What a pathetic ruckus they are making.

[laughing]

[Jesan] Archers!

Shields!

[grunting]

Fire!

[shouting, screaming]

[Jesan] Fire!

[grunting]

[shouting]

Strike them now!

Take down the rebels!

[shouting]

[grunting, clamoring]

[Su-hyeok grunts]

[soldier screaming]

[soldier 2 screams]

-[Ji-young screaming] -[Gil-geum] Miss!

[Gil-geum] No, miss!

-Those little idiots. -[soldiers clamoring]

Soldiers, move!

[Bong-sik] Throw it! The chili powder, Cook Sim!

Throw the chili powder. The chili powder!

[screaming]

[clamoring stops]

Cook Yeon, I have arrived!

Am I late?

Ah, no. Actually, timing is perfect.

Looks like I can use this as much as I want today.

Gre- for "hand," -nade for "throw!"

Behold, the grenade, you scoundrels!

[shouts]

[grunting]

[grunting]

[screaming]

Your Highness, you must escape for now.

Cook Yeon...

It is all cause of her again.

[screaming]

[shouts]

-[scream] -[Gil-geum] Run, Miss!

[groans]

[grunts]

[soldier shouting]

-Yeah! -We won! We Won!

We won, we won!

[Yi Heon] It is not over yet.

Seize Grand Prince Jesan!

[Jesan] Heon!

He has Cook Yeon.

Before you ascended the throne, we used to drink Wolju together.

Do you remember where?

Wolyeongru.

We'll finish this there.

Mind you, if you do not come alone...

the Chief Royal Cook will die.

-[gasping] -What kind of a bastard kidnaps a woman?

[Jesan] Hyah!

Your Majesty, I will go rescue her.

Wait! I'll go as well!

-Me too! I will go too! -Me too! Let me come along, please.

We need to save her!

We'll save her.

It is my fault she's in danger.

-Your Majesty... -Your Majesty, it's not safe to go alone!

It's too dangerous.

Do not worry.

I will be victorious.

While I am dealing with my uncle, you all eliminate the rest of his forces

and retake the palace.

Your Majesty...

-[Yi Heon] Hyah! -[all] Your Majesty! Wait! No!

[Gil-geum] Good luck, Your Majesty!

GWANGHWAMUN

-[Su-hyeok] Everyone, charge! -[shouting]

[Yang-son] Lord Sung, we've received word the Grand Prince has been defeated.

[In-jae] What? His Highness's army was completely destroyed?

[Gong-gil] Go on ahead! Leave the clean up to us.

[Su-hyeok] We're heading for Gangnyeongjeon!

[Yang-son] You must be the assassin from Salgoji Forest, are you not?

Then why are you now on His Majesty's side?

Because

what you're doing is getting on our nerves.

[grunts]

[Yang-son] I cannot die this way.

I will not die this way!

[blade whooshes]

-[Yang-son] Your Highness. -[groans]

Where is the new world that you promised to us?

[grunting, shouting]

[Su-hyeok] Do not back down! Strike down these traitors!

-[metal clanging] -[shouting]

[cheering]

[Su-hyeok] Your Majesty, please be careful.

[In-jae] To think this palace would fall again so soon.

It is our mistake. We underestimated the dethroned King.

I dreamed of an era of peace and prosperity.

And yet that dream was all too fleeting.

[groaning]

[exclaims]

-[metal clanging] -[soldiers grunting]

Who's out there?

[soldiers shouting]

[grunting]

[shouting]

-[grunts] -[blade whooshes]

[pants]

Your Grace.

You...

You are...

I have come to avenge my sister.

And...

And all of the other women who were used and murdered.

[breathes shakily]

The man who laughs with a knife, is sooner or later bound to be cut himself.

Do you expect me to beg for mercy, when your hands are as bloody as mine?

A wench to the very end!

Do you even know the number of lives lost thanks to you?

[blade unsheathes]

I am merely a jester, just the same as you are.

You're kidding.

A wench like you doesn't deserve that title.

[laughing]

That is not your decision.

[gasps]

[grunts]

This is...

for my sister and all the others.

-[grunts] -[blade whooshes]

[grunts]

[gasping]

[gasping stops]

It's over at last, Chief Royal Cook.

I'm rooting for His Majesty,

if only just this once.

[Yi Heon] Hyah! Hyah!

WOLYEONGRU

[grunts]

[Yi Heon] Hyah!

I knew he would come.

This love he has for you that drives him headfirst into danger,

it's truly touching.

Will even the path to hell be covered in flowers if you walk it together?

[laughing]

At least you're safe.

That is a relief.

Move aside.

Uncle.

You took my cook away from me, something even the Ming couldn't do.

I hope you're ready to answer for that.

Are you ready to face the consequences?

But first,

can you make it all the way up here alone?

I will get you soon enough.

[shouts]

[grunting]

[grunts]

[Ji-young yelping]

Cook Yeon!

[grunting]

[whimpers]

[grunts]

Not bad, nephew.

-[yells] -[grunting]

[gasps]

-Your Majesty! Your Majesty! -[gasps]

Cook Yeon!

[grunting]

You have to run! I can handle this! Hurry!

[grunting]

I won't.

I can't go without you.

Do not worry about me. Hurry!

[grunts]

[soldier, Yi Heon grunting]

No way.

The Mangunrok?

MANGUNROK

-[Ji-young] Next up is the potage. -[gasps]

[Ji-young] "Mangunrok"?

-Is this a cookbook? -[gasping]

Today's special dinner menu is doenjang pasta.

The dish I have prepared for you today, is a German favorite,

schnitzel, Your Majesty.

[Yi Heon] It's a crispy outside, but the inside is so succulent

and not overly chewy.

[Ji-young] These are all the dishes I've served His Majesty since I've been here.

And I added butter instead of sesame oil.

[Yi Heon] But it's just plain barley rice.

Hmm? Why is this one torn?

HWANSEBAN

[soldier, Yi Heon grunting]

[gasps]

"When my dearly cherished..."

[Yi Heon] When my dearly cherished beloved reads this diary aloud one day,

"I long and..."

[Yi Heon] I long and hope she will return to my side.

This can't...

The Mangunrok author was

His Majesty?

[grunting]

-Don't just stand there! Seize that wench! -Yes, sir!

-[soldier shouts] -[screams]

[gasps]

Uncle.

It is not too late to drop your sword.

You've escaped death for too long.

Luck has always been on your side.

But fate has caught up to you.

You will die today.

Uncle!

Letting power run unchecked brings poison to all of us!

-[chuckles] -[grunts]

[groans]

[chuckles]

[shouts]

No!

[grunts]

[gasps]

[groans]

[Yi Heon] Cook Yeon.

No.

No. Cook Yeon. Cook Yeon!

[screams, sobs]

[shouts]

[groans]

[metal clatters]

Cook Yeon.

[grunting, panting]

I... I don't want...

Don't say anything.

Honestly...

I didn't want to go anywhere...

[gasps]

Where would you even go

without my permission?

[sobbing]

I love you dearly.

[sobs]

Cook Yeon.

Cook Yeon.

Open your eyes. I'm begging you.

Don't go!

[sobbing]

HWANSEBAN

Please. Please... [sobs]

Please...

No, no, no.

Wait.

No, wait. Wait!

[sobbing]

No, please. Wait.

To think the Mangunrok that she was so desperate to find,

was my diary all this time.

Why must you take her from me now?

Why?

Why?

Don't... No...

Cook Yeon.

Cook Yeon!

[crying]

I'll find you

no matter how far you've gone.

I will send you to be with her!

[shouts]

[Yi Heon screams]

[groaning]

Heon,

I should have been

the king of Joseon. [groans]

Uncle...

go and find peace.

[Yi Heon grunts]

[panting]

[Ji-young] Your Majesty.

Never forget the promise you made.

Come find me.

WOORI UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

No! No.

[gasps]

Where am I?

A hospital?

Does that mean I'm back home?

[grunts]

[grunts]

A scar.

Then it wasn't a dream.

But His Majesty?

What happened to His Majesty?

No! [grunts]

The Mangunrok.

It has to be here.

[grunts]

I have to go back.

[gasping]

[crying]

Ji-young.

[crying] You're awake.

Oh. Oh, Dad!

[parent] I was so worried about you.

Dad.

[doctor] What are you doing out of bed?

How are you feeling? You need to rest. Don't make any sudden movements.

[grunts] There.

Ji-young.

I'm going to pick up some groceries. You go inside and rest up, okay?

I'll be back soon.

You have to run! I can handle this.

I won't. I can't go without you.

Do not worry about me. Hurry!

[Jesan shouts]

[Yi Heon] No. Cook Yeon.

Cook Yeon.

Cook Yeon.

Open your eyes. I'm begging you.

Don't go!

YEONHUIGUN

YEONHUIGUN

FOOD IS POLITICS... THE DEPOSED KING OF JOSEON

"Yeonhuigun's body was never recovered."

"Yeonhuigun went missing."

History was rewritten.

Does that mean

that if I go now I could still find His Majesty?

[Yi Heon] Promise me

you will...

accompany me once again.

"When my dearly cherished beloved

reads this diary aloud one day,

I long and hope she'll return to my side."

[sniffles]

[exhales]

[breathes shakily] Oh, no.

"When my dearly cherished beloved

reads this

diary aloud one day,

I long and hope

she'll return to my side."

[breathing shakily]

It's not working.

Why?

The restroom.

[sighs]

[exhales]

[inhales sharply]

"When my dearly cherished beloved

reads this

diary aloud one day...

I long and hope

she'll return to my side."

[sighs]

Here. Watch me.

"Ah."

[chuckles]

[chuckling]

[Ji-young] What if...

I wanted to I couldn't return here?

[Yi Heon] Well then,

I will come find you.

[Ji-young] Why did that day...

have to be our last?

[sighs]

ONE MONTH LATER

Oh, Chef Yeon.

Uh...

-Wow, you look like your doing well. -[chuckles]

I bet my urgent message made you nervous.

It did. [chuckles]

-[chuckles] -So, what's going on?

Oh, it's nothing really. [chuckle]

-We need your help. -What?

The Michelin restaurant selections have started.

[sighs, stammers]

I don't know what to say,

I don't think I'm ready to go back to work yet.

Nothing permanent, just for a month.

Until we can find ourselves a proper chef.

If the restaurant doesn't receive a Michelin star this time...

[inhales sharply] ...we're going to be closed down.

Ji-young, help me.

Let's see the kitchen.

[manager] This way.

[Ji-young sighs] Right.

Okay.

Oh, really?

[chuckles]

Uh, is it okay for me to get a taste of the dessert?

Hmm.

[inhales deeply]

All right, but only for a month.

Right.

Also, we won't win any Michelin stars with the current menu we have.

I will develop a new menu.

The same as your last winning menu?

I think Joseon Dynasty dishes incorporated with fine dining.

You can cook royal cuisine?

I'd like to introduce Chef Ji-young. The new executive head chef of Enfin.

[staff] Welcome, chef.

[Ji-young] No way.

Cook Eom!

[gasps] Cook Maeng!

Cook Sim!

[gasps] Cook Min!

Gil-geum!

Oh, uh, it's Sun-geum, actually. [chuckles]

Oh?

COOK HELPER SEO SUN-GEUM

[Ji-young] What's happening? They all look so similar.

Are they related?

The resemblance is too uncanny to be coincidence.

[clears throat]

I'm Yeon Ji-young, and I'll be overseeing Enfin's kitchen starting today.

I'm excited to be here.

-The, uh, La Poêle d'Or. La Poêle d'Or. -[Sim] Oh, she's won right?

-[Min] No way. -[Sun-geum] That's her? Cool!

That's enough. [shushes]

We're gonna be developing a new menu for the upcoming Michelin evaluation.

And...

I want to create dishes that will incorporate the methodology of

the royal kitchen who served meals to the kings of the Joseon Dynasty.

I have no doubt that we'll work very well together.

Grateful you're here!

[chefs] I look forward to working with you!

[Ji-young] And just like that, I was back to my former self.

But my heart

and my mind

remained in the Joseon Dynasty.

I searched for the recipes and dishes I had experienced as Chief Royal Cook.

Those he had described in the Mangunrok.

And used them to create a new menu.

Incorporating what I'd learned in the royal kitchens

with the techniques I had learned in Paris.

I called it

The Chief Royal Cook Dining Course.

[gasps]

[customers gasping]

Chef Yeon, look at this.

ENFIN'S "CHIEF ROYAL COOK" COURSE RECEIVES RAVE REVIEWS!

[Sun-geum] Rave Reviews!

-Congrats Chef! -Whoa!

-[chattering] -Amazing! Amazing.

-Absolutely incredible. -[Min] You did it, Chef Yeon.

Three Chief Royal Cook courses. Everyone, prepare your dishes.

[chefs] Yes, Chef!

Hello. Do you have a reservation?

The reservations under Steve Lim at 7:00.

Ah, yes. I see it here.

Your table is this way.

There's a new menu, isn't there?

Hmm, modern Korean, Chief Royal Cook.

Ah, yes.

That's our signature course menu.

Dishes once served at the royal table, reimagined with a modern flair.

I can agree.

And bring two glasses of water, boy.

Uh, right.

Chef Yeon, table seven wants the Chief Royal Cook course.

[whispering] It's the guy from Michelin. Two glasses of water, two phones.

Got it?

Just do what you always do, okay?

[chefs] Yes, Chef.

The consommé looks good.

-Go ahead and plate this. -Yes, Chef.

Yukhoe with gamtae gets soggy,

-prepare it so it can be served asap. -Yes, Chef.

-Thinner slices, please. -Yes, Chef.

We're starting to plate, Cook Maeng.

-What? -I mean...

Chef Maeng, please prep the garnish for the bourguignon.

Right. On it, Chef.

[Ji-young] Dessert for table seven, please.

[staff member 1] Yes, Chef.

[staff member 2] Chef, table seven sent this back, he said it wasn't good.

He said the meat was dry and wants me to ask for a new one.

What?

He didn't even touch these dishes.

I'll head over.

[Lim] Hmm.

It's quite appealing.

Hello, sir. I'm Yeon Ji-young, the executive head chef.

He's the spitting image of Im Song-jae.

And why are you here?

[scoffs] Even here he's still nitpicking.

Well, I heard that you sent back the rice wine braised short ribs

and the ogolgye samgyetang.

I'm just curious, was something wrong with the food?

Obviously I was too indirect with my feedback.

You call this modern Korean inspired by nature?

So this captures natures essence? [sighs]

[Ji-young] Where does he get off being so judgmental?

Once a liar starts talking, there really is no stopping them.

My apologies but you haven't even touched the food yet.

I'm a liar who hasn't properly vetted the food?

Wow, you want to avoid being evaluated.

[scoffs]

If you lack skill, keep a low profile.

Are you even working for Michelin?

How could someone like you ever become a judge?

What?

You've got some nerve, lady.

I could ask the same about how you got to be a chef. Huh?

Okay. I'm about to give you the evaluation you deserve.

This is your fault.

What?

[customer] If what you said is true...

I shall taste it myself.

[gasps]

Who's this jerk?

What?

"Jerk"? [scoffs]

Do you truly wish to know how it feels to be at the end of my sword?

Your sword?

Is he mad?

He's nuts. Nobody talks like that.

[manager chuckles]

-[Lim] What? -[stammers] Sir, this way.

-I'll take you to the private suite. -Get off.

You were lucky!

-Enough of you, wretch! -[manager] This way, this way.

-[Lim] Private suite? -[manager] Yes!

Is it you?

[chuckles]

[breathing shakily]

Is it...

actually you?

I told you I would find you. And a king always honors his promises.

[chuckles]

Trying to act so cool.

[sniffles]

What about your royal dinner?

I would never enjoy it without you at my side.

Plus you must taste it first.

[breathing shakily]

[sobbing]

[no audible dialogue]

EPILOGUE

[phone buzzes]

-Hello? -[manager] Hey, Chef Yeon.

The Michelin guy,

-he turned out to be a fraud. -What?

I called the cops and they dragged him out of here.

A fraud!

That piece of work.

He should get locked away for messing with our food.

[Yi Heon] Cook Yeon.

Be right there.

[scoffs] See you tomorrow. Okay?

Thank you for the meal. [gasps]

Oh, man. Look a this place.

-[sighs] -Come. Sit.

[chuckles]

[clears throat] So, just a simple bibimbap I see.

"Simple"? [scoffs]

This is a royal rice dish, dear.

that I, the King of Joseon, created for the first time. The hwanseban.

-Right. -If you do not want it, do not eat.

No, I'll eat it.

-[scoff] -Thank you for the meal.

Fine.

Here say, "Ah."

Mmm.

Are you satisfied?

Maybe some brown butter?

[Yi Heon] A "booreoun batteo"?

[Ji-young] It's called beurre noisette.

It's a sauce made by melting butter until it browns.

[Yi Heon] This brazier is truly fascinating.

[Ji-young] You might want to change the way you speak.

[Yi Heon] How should I do that?

[Ji-young] Believe it or not, he came from the 1500s.

I have to know, how did you find me?

Well...

[Ji-young] You wonder how he ended up in our time?

I made you a promise.

[Ji-young] That's not important, since he found me again.

BON APPÉTIT, YOUR MAJESTY