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[All] What does the tyrant's chef, Chae Hong, mean? Gapsinsahwa Yeonhui-gun Kang Mok-ju (ft. Yeonsangun Lee Chae-min replacement)
We've compiled the meaning of "Chaehong" in the tvN drama "The Tyrant's Chef," the history of the Chaehongsa system, and even the motifs of Yeonsangun and Jang Noksu. Discover the Gapsin Rebellion, the original novel, and the behind-the-scenes story of the male lead's replacement at a glance.
1. Basic information about 'The Tyrant's Chef'
tvN's weekend drama "The Tyrant's Chef" premiered on August 23, 2025, with a total of 12 episodes. It is currently available on Netflix and Tving. Based on Park Kook-jae's web novel "Surviving as Yeonsangun's Chef," it is a fantasy historical romance about a modern-day chef who travels back in time to confront a tyrant.
2. What do Chaehong and Chaehongsa mean in the Joseon Dynasty?
'Chaehong (采紅)' refers to the system of recruiting women for the palace during the Joseon Dynasty. The official in charge of this task was the Chaehongsa. The official name was Chaehongjunsa, and 'Hong (紅)' means 'woman' and 'Jun (駿)' means 'horse', and there are records of him recruiting both beautiful women and famous horses at the same time. Yeonsangun sent Chaehongsa across the country to forcibly recruit beautiful women, and in particular, he brought many women from Jeju Island to adorn the royal family.
3. Who is Prince Yeonhui? Is he a character inspired by Prince Yeonsangun?
The drama's Prince Yeonhui (played by Lee Heon and Lee Chae-min) is a fictional character based on the real-life King Yeonsangun, the tenth king of the Joseon Dynasty. Yeonsangun (reigned 1494–1506) became a tyrant after the deposed Queen Yun incident, launching large-scale purges such as the Muosahwa and Gapjasahwa.
The drama reinterpreted this historical figure as Prince Yeonhee, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the story without feeling burdened.
4. What are the key points of reinterpretation in the drama about Chae Hong, Gapsin Sahwa, and Gang Mok-ju?
In real history, Chaehong was a system for selecting beautiful women to be presented to the king, and the official in charge of this task was the Chaehongsa. However, the drama reinterprets it as more than just a luxury, but a means to avenge his mother. The setting of Prince Yeonhee inviting the family of an opposing faction to the palace adds even more dramatic tension to the viewer.
Furthermore, the "Gapshin Purge" in the drama closely resembles the actual historical "Gapja Purge" (1504, the deposed Queen Yun incident), with only the names used being different. Kang Mok-ju is also based on the historical Jang Nok-su, but rather than simply being a favored concubine, she is portrayed as a spy who works with Prince Jesan and shakes the king's inner self, heightening the tension.
5. Differences between the original ending and the drama
The original web novel, "Surviving as Yeonsangun's Chef," concludes with a happy ending, with the female protagonist returning to the modern era and Yeonsangun undergoing a transformation. However, the drama focuses more on palace intrigue and political drama than the original, adding a historical drama weight to it rather than a simple romance. It remains to be seen whether the drama will follow the original's conclusion or offer a twisted ending.
6. Behind the Scenes of Park Sung-hoon's Departure and the Change of Male Lead
Actor Park Sung-hoon was initially cast as Prince Yeonhee, but he dropped out due to controversy on social media. The production team quickly brought in Lee Chae-min, and director Jang Tae-yoo commented, "I'm 120% satisfied."
After the first episode aired, viewers responded, saying, "The crisis was actually an opportunity," and Yoona and Lee Chae-min's chemistry became a key point of the drama's success. After the actual broadcast, viewers also commented, "This casting was a stroke of genius."
Q&A
Q1. What does Chaehong mean?
A1. This refers to the work of selecting women for the palace during the Joseon Dynasty, and the official in charge was Chae Hong-sa.
Q2. How is Chae Hong in the drama different from the real history?
A2. In reality, it was a system of conscripting beautiful women, but in the drama, Yeonhee-gun was sent to the palace to avenge her mother by sending the family of an enemy force to the palace.
It has been changed to a calling setting.
Q3. What is the difference between the Gapsinsahwa and the Gapjasahwa?
A3. The historical event was the Gapjasahwa (1504), but in the drama, it was called the Gapsinsahwa.
Q4. What kind of person is Kang Mok-ju?
A4. Based on the historical figure of Jang Nok-su, he plays a key role in the palace intrigue as a spy for Prince Jesan.
Q5. What was your reaction to the change in male lead actor?
A5. There were concerns at first, but after the show actually aired, many people said that Lee Chae-min's casting was a "godsend."
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