By Honorary Reporter Fetty Asihta Kencana Putri from Indonesia
Photos = Chang Tae You

The fantasy-historical K-drama "Bon Appetit, Your Majesty," which aired on tvN from Aug. 23 to Sept. 28, ranked among Netflix's top 10 shows not in English globally for 10 weeks, including two at No. 1. 

Its director Chang Tae You is known for works like "Painter of the Wind" (2008), "Hyena" (2020), "Lovers of the Red Sky" (2021) and "Night Blooming Flower" (2024). He has won awards including TV Grand Prize at the 2012, the 48th Baeksang Arts Awards of Korea for "Deep Rooted Tree," but his biggest hit was "My Love From the Star" (2012-13), an international hit series especially in China.

The following are excerpts from an email interview with Chang from Sept. 18 to Nov. 3  on his work and "Bon Appetit."

Director Chang Tae You is most famous for the 2012-13 series "My Love From the Star," which was especially popular in China. 

Born in Seoul, Chang grew up in a creative environment with art-passionate parents. As a child, he competed in art contests before getting into photography in high school. At 18, he joined a theater club that broadened his artistic pursuits.

He studied industrial design at Seoul National University and initially aspired to be a commercial film director. After graduating during the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis, he began his career as an assistant director with SBS for six years thanks to his older brother, a producer of a variety show at the network. 

Chang's first project was "Bad Housewife" (2005), in which he served as second unit director, followed by his solo debut with "The 101st Proposal" (2006).

In 2010, the director was invited as a visiting scholar at UCLA, where he spent a year studying Hollywood. He returned to Korea in 2011 to direct "Deep Rooted Tree," and after the success of "My Love From the Star," he did projects in China before returning to Korea.

On "Bon Appetit," Chang said a fantasy period melodrama centered on cuisine was entirely new for him despite his experience with K-drama genres. "The story where food has the power to change individuals intrigued me," he said. "Back in 2000, I was captivated by the mysterious beauty of the premise in 'Chocolat' starring Juliette Binoche." 

"Bon Appetit" is about Yeon Ji-young, a chef of French cuisine who travels back in time to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) period, winds up in the royal kitchen and creates dishes for the king using French culinary techniques and the ingredients available in the kingdom at the time.

 
Chang said his production team worked with French chefs to develop recipes, cooking methods and presentation styles. To ensure the authenticity of Joseon royal cuisine, a professor trained under the adviser to the hit drama "Jewel in the Palace" (2003) provided guidance through on-site consultations and cooking demonstrations.

"The entire process was challenging, from sourcing ingredients and preparing the food to choosing the featured dishes and presenting on screen. Food is perishable, so ensuring authenticity in every detail was a constant challenge," he added.

Director Chang Taeyoo works with lead actor Yoona (Im Yoon-ah) and the crew on the set of "Bon Appetit, Your Majesty."

"Bon Appetit" is Chang’s ninth drama as a director and his fifth historical series. 

"I produced this piece while contemplating whether fusion historical drama had reached its limit or still had room for more," he said. "The success of this project gave me courage. Now I confidently believe that I can take on another fusion historical drama and be more innovative."  

A fan of Marvel, DC Comics, Pixar and Japanese animation, Chang said that as a  director of historical K-dramas, he will continue producing innovative works in the genre and hopes to bring fantasy love stories to the screen.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.