Bon Appétit, Your Majesty Characters and Relationships Explained

"Bon Appétit, Your Majesty" is a Korean romantic comedy on Netflix about a modern chef who accidentally travels back in time to the Joseon Era. While the show is full of humor and romance, it also features palace intrigue and complex family relationships. Here’s an easy guide to the some characters and how they are connected.

Lee Heon (Yeonhui-gun) – played by Lee Chae-min (이채민)

 Lee Heon is the king, known as Prince Yeonhui in his youth. When he was eight, his mother, Lady Yeon, was removed from her position as queen by the Han clan, led by Queen Dowager Inju. Haunted by his mother’s tragic fate, Lee Heon searches for the truth, focusing on the missing royal records (sacho) that might reveal the secrets of that day.

 Queen Dowager Inju – played by Seo Yi-sook (서이숙)

 In the drama, she is called Daewang Daebi mama. She is Lee Heon’s grandmother and helped him become king. She constantly worries that the truth about Lady Yeon’s removal will be discovered. She holds the key to the incident.

Queen Dowager Jahyun – played by Shin Eun-jung (신은정)

 In the drama, she is called Daebi mama. Queen Dowager Jahyun is Lee Heon’s stepmother. After Lady Yeon was dethroned, Jahyun became the new queen consort of King Seonjong (Lee Heon’s father) and gave birth to Grand Prince Jinmyeong. She raised Lee Heon with care but fears he will uncover the secret of Lady Yeon’s fall, a truth that could shake the royal family.

Grand Prince Jinmyeong

 Jinmyeong is Lee Heon’s half-brother, the son of Jahyun and King Seonjong. Historically, he eventually becomes king after Lee Heon is deposed in the "Gapshinsahwa" incident.

 Grand Prince Jesan – played by Choi Gwi-hwa (최귀화)

 Jesan is King Lee Heon’s uncle, the brother of King Seonjong (Lee Heon’s father). After the Han clan gained power, Jesan survived by pretending to be foolish. Behind this act, he is a ruthless strategist who will do whatever it takes to achieve his goals. He manipulates Lee Heon using Kang Mokju, constantly plots to overthrow the throne.

 Kang Mokju (Sukwon) – played by Kang Han-na (강한나)

 Kang Mokju, called Sukwon, is a famous royal concubine known for her beauty. She is devoted to Grand Prince Jesan, who chose her for her talents in singing, dancing, and playing the gayageum. While officially recognized as the king’s favorite concubine, she secretly works as Jesan’s informant, gathering and passing along palace intelligence.

Im Songjae – played by Oh Ui-sik (오의식)

 Im Songjae is the Chief Royal Secretary and married to Princess Huisuk, Lee Heon’s sister. Known for his clever mind, he rises to power and earns the king’s trust.