The highly anticipated new tvN drama 'The Tyrant’s Chef,' starring YoonA, is set to begin filming on January 23, according to a report from IZE on January 21.

The upcoming shoot will serve as the drama’s official first filming session, focusing primarily on the female lead. From this point, 'The Tyrant’s Chef' will proceed with its production schedule, aiming for a broadcast premiere later this year.

When asked about the first filming, the production team of 'The Tyrant’s Chef' told IZE, "We cannot confirm any details."

'The Tyrant’s Chef' is a fantasy survival romance that spans 500 years. It follows a French chef (played by YoonA) who time-slips and encounters a tyrant king known as both the worst ruler and the ultimate foodie. The drama is currently under discussion for scheduling and is expected to air later in 2025.

This marks YoonA’s return to television after her leading role in JTBC’s 2023 hit drama 'King the Land,' where she starred alongside Lee Jun Ho. Her comeback to the small screen has garnered high expectations, with fans eager to see her performance in this new and unique role.

Before beginning filming, 'The Tyrant’s Chef' faced a controversy involving its original male lead, Park Sung Hoon, who came under fire after sharing an "explicit adult video cover" image on his social media. Despite his agency BH Entertainment issuing an explanation, the backlash escalated. Park Sung Hoon later apologized during a press interview for Netflix’s 'Squid Game Season 2,' but the issue persisted. On January 11, tvN officially announced Park Sung Hoon’s departure from the drama.

Replacing Park Sung Hoon, Lee Chae Min has been confirmed to take on the role of the tyrant king. Other notable cast members include Kang Han Na, who is in final talks to join the drama, and Choi Gwi Hwa, who will add to the series’ dramatic tension and entertainment value.

With its production finally underway after overcoming initial challenges, 'The Tyrant’s Chef' is expected to leave its mark as a standout hit of 2025. 

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