K-drama ‘Tastefully Yours’ breaks records on Netflix — here’s why fans love it
A poster for "Tastefully Yours" / Courtesy of GenieTV
“Tastefully Yours” from Genie TV has claimed the No. 1 spot on Netflix in 23 countries, a remarkable feat that has outpaced the likes of “Resident Playbook” and “More Beautiful Than Heaven” during its run. Despite its seemingly simple premise — a love story set in a small Korean restaurant — the show’s blend of humor, heart and culinary storytelling has ignited word-of-mouth buzz both in Korea and abroad.
The drama, co-produced by Genie TV and ENA, centers on a corporate heir-turned-restaurant owner and a chef who runs a tiny one-table eatery hidden in the alleys of Jeonju Hanok Village. Their relationship unfolds as a battle of wills and a journey of growth. The series premiered on May 12 and has been gaining momentum ever since.
According to Nielsen Korea, the show’s viewership climbed from two percent for its premiere to 3.1 percent by its third episode. Online viewers have praised the show as “a heartwarming story despite its familiar setup,” while others have lauded the lead female character’s warm and generous personality. One viewer said, “This is the first time I’ve seen a drama that explains cooking so well, making it fun and sweet at the same time.”
The most surprising aspect, however, is not the ratings but the global OTT rankings. According to streaming analytics platform FlixPatrol, “Tastefully Yours” ranked No. 2 in Netflix’s non-English TV category and reached No. 1 in 23 countries, including Korea, as of May 14. This achievement is particularly striking, considering that it coincided with the release of high-profile series like “Resident Playbook” and the Netflix original “Tangeum.”
At its core, “Tastefully Yours” may follow a familiar trope: a wealthy man’s fall from grace and redemption through love. Yet, its unique backdrop — a tiny restaurant in a traditional Korean neighborhood — and the focus on Korean cuisine set it apart. The male lead, once a suave fine-dining expert, is now a struggling small-business owner who drunkenly vents his frustrations. His initial polished image from the first episode gradually gives way to a more disheveled, endearing character.
Actor Kang Ha-neul’s signature comedic flair shines in this role. Known for his breakout in the rom-com “When the Camellia Blooms,” Kang adds a lively charm to the story with his exaggerated comedic acting.
The success of “Tastefully Yours” is also a boost for Genie TV, which previously achieved its best results by streaming “New Recruit 3” on TVING. With “Tastefully Yours,” the platform has found another winner. Creator Han Jun-hee’s involvement has been instrumental in elevating the drama’s appeal. Known for more serious works, Han takes on a lighter, more playful tone with “Tastefully Yours,” expanding his creative range in the process.
The show’s global appeal has been bolstered by the growing interest in Korean cuisine. From the unique tradition of making Korean sauces to the diverse dishes featured, “Tastefully Yours” adds a fresh layer of entertainment through its culinary storytelling. A similar phenomenon occurred with the drama “Extraordinary Attorney Woo,” where kimbap, a key narrative element, became a global food trend after the show’s release. With the global platform of Netflix, viewers are now eager to see how far “Tastefully Yours” and its featured dishes can go.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.