The Growth Romance of Chaebol Heir Kang Ha-neul and Chef Go Min-si in “Tastefully Yours”
The highly anticipated Korean drama “Tastefully Yours” has been creating a buzz even before its broadcast, as the teaser has already sparked significant excitement.
A Fresh Storyline: Two Opposites on a Romantic Journey
This new series, a follow-up to the hit “New Recruit Season 3,” premiered on May 7 and continues to draw attention with its fresh storyline and strong performances.
“Tastefully Yours” tells the story of two people from contrasting worlds: a chaebol heir seeking to inherit a food conglomerate and a chef running a small restaurant in Jeonju. Kang Ha-neul stars as Han Beom-woo, a recipe hunter and director of Korea’s top food company, HanSang, while Go Min-si plays Mo Yeon-ju, a chef and owner of a fine dining restaurant called ‘Jeongje’ in Jeonju. The drama explores their personal growth and romantic journey.
Creators and Cast Discuss the Making of Tastefully Yours
The production team, including creators Han Jun-hee, Park Dan-hee, and the lead actors, gathered at the Stanford Hotel in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on May 8 to discuss the making of the show.
Han Jun-hee revealed that the inspiration for “Tastefully Yours” came from his personal experiences at the Jeonju International Film Festival, where he frequently visited local restaurants. His memories formed the basis of a short story that evolved into the script. Director Park Dan-hee highlighted the warmth and emotional depth of the show, which aims to capture the essence of real-life restaurant owners and their personal stories.
Kang Ha-neul described “Tastefully Yours” as “slow-paced with a lingering taste,” drawing a parallel to Pyongyang cold noodles—delicious yet easy to revisit. He added that the drama’s pacing creates a feeling of wanting to watch it again. Go Min-si, who worked hard on mastering cooking and dialect for her role, reflected on the challenges of portraying a chef and the demanding preparation involved. She expressed gratitude for her fellow actors’ support during filming.
Kim Shin-rok and Yoo Soo-bin, who play key supporting roles, also shared their experiences. Kim Shin-rok, portraying the ace of Jeonju’s best Gukbap restaurant, emphasized the importance of ensemble acting, while Yoo Soo-bin, playing the successor of the Gukbap restaurant, described how he immersed himself in Jeonju’s local culture to prepare for his role.
Personal Inspiration Behind “Tastefully Yours”
Creator Han Jun-hee emphasized that this project is deeply personal to him, with many of the characters’ names inspired by his real-life friends. The drama’s narrative centers on young people from small communities working together toward a common goal. Han Jun-hee expressed confidence that viewers would enjoy the show, despite being unsure of the final outcome.
Director Park Dan-hee, who collaborated with Han Jun-hee, also emphasized the significance of food in the drama. With intricate plating and a variety of dishes, the food becomes a central element in the characters’ growth and relationships, symbolizing both emotional connections and personal transformation.
The Growing Buzz for Tastefully Yours
The audience’s enthusiasm for “Tastefully Yours” is palpable, with many fans praising Kang Ha-neul’s comic timing and the chemistry between the leads. The show’s combination of light comedy and heartfelt drama has captured the attention of viewers, who are eager for the premiere.
“Tastefully Yours” will officially air on May 12 at 10 PM on ENA, and will also be available on Genie TV and Genie TV Mobile.
