In a stunning turnaround, the South Korean romantic comedy Tastefully Yours has emerged as a global sensation on Netflix, defying its lackluster domestic performance. Premiering on ENA and KT Genie TV on May 12, 2025, the drama initially struggled with a dismal 1.6% nationwide viewership rating, barely registering with Korean audiences. However, since its release on Netflix, the series has skyrocketed to the top of streaming charts, claiming the No. 1 spot on Netflix Korea’s Top 10 series list and ranking No. 2 globally in Netflix’s TV shows category as of May 15, according to streaming analytics site FlixPatrol. The show has also topped charts in 23 countries, including Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Thailand, proving the immense power of streaming platforms in reshaping a show’s fate.
From Domestic Flop to International Triumph
When Tastefully Yours first aired on ENA, expectations were modest but not nonexistent. With a high-profile cast led by Kang Ha-neul and Go Min-si, and a premise centered around a culinary romance, the series seemed poised to capture the same audience that propelled hits like Business Proposal and Crash Landing on You to fame. Yet, its debut episode garnered only a 1.6% rating, dropping even lower by the third episode, a virtual non-event in the competitive Korean drama landscape. Critics pointed to a crowded spring lineup, with high-stakes thrillers and fantasy epics dominating prime time, leaving the gentle, food-centric romance feeling like a “dull appetizer” in comparison. Some reviews highlighted slow pacing, repetitive food motifs, and a perceived lack of chemistry as reasons for its domestic struggles.
However, the series found new life on Netflix, where it was strategically positioned by the platform’s algorithm alongside other soft, food-focused romances like Chocolate and Let’s Eat. This placement tapped into a global audience hungry for visually stunning, slow-burn K-dramas. The show’s subtle rebranding for international markets also played a role. The English title Tastefully Yours evoked images of elegant dining and heartfelt romance, resonating with viewers seeking cozy, emotionally rich narratives. By May 15, just days after its Netflix debut, the drama had climbed to No. 2 globally, outpacing other popular K-dramas like Weak Hero Class 2 and Resident Playbook. Social media buzz amplified its success, with fans worldwide praising the “quirky charm” and “addictive” chemistry between Kang Ha-neul and Go Min-si.
The Power of OTT Platforms
The meteoric rise of Tastefully Yours underscores the growing influence of over-the-top (OTT) platforms like Netflix in determining a drama’s success. In South Korea, traditional TV ratings have plummeted as viewers, including older audiences, increasingly turn to streaming services and YouTube for content. Recent prime-time dramas such as MBC’s Crushology 101, SBS’s Spring of Youth, and KBS’s Kick Kick Kick Kick have struggled to break even 1% in viewership, a stark contrast to the past when ratings below 10% were considered failures. Netflix, with over 14 million monthly active users in Korea—more than double the user base of domestic platforms like Coupang Play or TVING—has become a game-changer.
The shift in viewing habits has prompted Korean drama producers to prioritize Netflix over local OTT services, leveraging the platform’s global reach and sophisticated algorithms. Unlike domestic TV, which relies heavily on time slots and local competition, Netflix’s algorithm analyzes user behavior and preferences to recommend content, giving shows like Tastefully Yours a second chance to shine. However, this dominance has sparked concerns about content diversity, with critics warning that an over-reliance on Netflix could limit the variety of stories told in Korean media.
Despite these concerns, the success of Tastefully Yours highlights the platform’s ability to transform a domestic flop into a global hit. By episode four, the drama had achieved a domestic rating of 3.1%, a significant improvement from its initial 1.6%, as even Korean viewers who initially overlooked it began tuning in, drawn by its international buzz.
What is Tastefully Yours about?
Tastefully Yours is a romantic comedy that weaves together themes of food, ambition, and love, set against the picturesque backdrop of Jeonju, South Korea. The series follows Han Beom-woo (Kang Ha-neul), a calculating and materialistic heir to a food conglomerate, who acquires small restaurants as part of his strategy to secure the chairman’s seat. His path crosses with Mo Yeon-joo (Go Min-si), a passionate chef running a nameless one-table restaurant in Jeonju. The two form an unlikely partnership, operating a small eatery together, where their contrasting personalities—Beom-woo’s indifference to taste and Yeon-joo’s culinary devotion—spark both conflict and romance.
The drama, directed by Park Dan-hee and written by Jung Soo-yoon, originated from a short script by director Han Jun-hee, inspired by his experiences working in Jeonju 15 years ago. Each episode is a “visual feast,” featuring dishes from royal Korean meat patties to French coq au vin, designed to leave viewers craving a midnight snack. Go Min-si, in her first romantic comedy role, drew inspiration from chefs on Netflix’s Black-and-White Chef, while Kang Ha-neul infused his chaebol character with humor and relatability, describing the drama as one that “lingers” with a rewatchable charm. The story also explores themes of growth and connection, as four imperfect characters come together to fill each other’s gaps, delivering a warm and comforting narrative.
A Testament to Streaming’s Global Reach
The journey of Tastefully Yours from a 1% domestic rating to a global Netflix phenomenon is a testament to the transformative power of streaming platforms. Its success reflects not only the appeal of its cast and story but also the shifting dynamics of the entertainment industry, where global audiences and algorithmic recommendations can redefine a show’s legacy. As Korean dramas continue to dominate Netflix’s non-English content—evidenced by hits like Squid Game Season 2 and The Potato Lab—Tastefully Yours stands as a prime example of how a overlooked gem can find its audience on the global stage.
For those eager to dive into this culinary romance, the first four episodes of Tastefully Yours are now streaming on Netflix, with new episodes dropping every Monday and Tuesday. Don’t miss the chance to savor this unexpected hit
Sources: Celuv Media / FlixPatrol / WikiTree
