As a Chuseok treat, CJ ENM has gifted fans with something they’ve been craving ever since the finale of Bon Appétit, Your Majesty: a brand-new bonus episode titled No Leaving the Palace.
Aired on tVN at 9:10 p.m. KST on October 4, 2025, the special brings back the show’s beloved cast — Lim Yoon-ah, Lee Chae-min, Kang Han-na, Oh Eu-sik, and Lee Ju-an — for one more heartwarming ride.
But what exactly is in this special episode? Let’s break it down.
Bon Appétit, Your Majesty Special: No Leaving the Palace adopts a slightly different strategy than a conventional narrative continuation.
The actors sit down for a laid-back, behind-the-scenes chat while wearing comfortable, casual attire, according to Soap Central. They openly discuss the drama's filming, consider its poignant conclusion, and discuss their individual experiences working on one of the year's biggest hits.
There are also lighthearted moments that fans are loving — like clips now circulating on Instagram and X, showing the cast reacting to the emotional reunion between Ji-young and Yi Heon.
One especially viral moment features Lee Chae-min turning adorably shy while watching his character’s tender scenes.
But beyond the laughs and nostalgia, the special episode had a purpose: to finally address some of the questions left unanswered in the finale. Fans were desperate to know — how did Yi Heon survive the palace attack? How did he time travel to modern-day Seoul? Who helped him along the way, and how did he manage to adapt (and apparently, become quite successful) in the present?
Also Read: K-dramas to watch if you liked Bon Appétit, Your Majesty
While the finale wrapped up the love story between King Yi Heon and modern chef Yeon Ji-young with a heartfelt kiss and a bowl of bibimbap, it left just enough mystery to keep theories flying online. With No Leaving the Palace, those loose threads are given some long-awaited attention.
Let’s rewind a bit: the final episode, which landed on Netflix on September 28, 2025, followed Ji-young as she sacrificed herself to save Yi Heon from a fatal sword strike. In a magical turn, the enchanted Mangunrok lifted her into a swirl of golden light — transporting her back to the present, injured but alive, ancient book in hand. History had shifted: Yi Heon was no longer recorded as “dead,” but “missing.”
Back in the present day, Ji-young rebuilt her life in the kitchen — surrounded by a new team that felt uncannily like her palace family.
Just when it seemed like she was finally moving on, a familiar voice called her name. Yi Heon had found her. Their emotional reunion gave fans a tearful, satisfying end — and in the epilogue, he cooked for her, just as he’d once promised.
The show quickly became a global favourite, topping Netflix’s non-English TV charts for two weeks and staying in the Top 10 for six.
In Korea, it earned the title of Gallup Korea’s most-loved broadcast for September.
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