On March 25 and 26, 2025, the South Korean drama Heo’s Diner made its debut on tvN, captivating audiences with its compelling storyline. Centered around Heo Gyun, portrayed by Xiumin from EXO, the show follows this talented food columnist from the Joseon Dynasty as he unexpectedly finds himself thrust 400 years into the future. This twist sets the stage for a fascinating narrative that intertwines culinary exploration with historical reflection.
Heo Gyun is celebrated during the Joseon period not only for his remarkable literary talent but also for his role as the first food writer in the dynasty. His critiques elevate gastronomy while promoting progressive ideology regarding social customs and behaviors. However, these forward-thinking views incite the wrath of powerful elites and lead to significant peril for him and those he cares about. His attempts to safeguard his friends against increasing risks ultimately lead him into dire straits.
In a bid to escape from assassins, Heo Gyun accidentally leaps through time to present-day Seoul. He finds himself disoriented, struggling to navigate this bustling metropolis while grappling with his displacement—an adventure that promises to unfold dramatically in forthcoming episodes.
Episode 1: Heo Gyun’s Journey from Joseon to Modernity
The series kicks off with Heo Gyun’s introduction as the first food columnist during the Joseon dynasty. His life becomes precarious when he faces treason charges, thanks to the overreach of powerful court official Lee Yi-cheom (portrayed by Lee Sae-on). As he flees for his life, Gyun encounters several assassins, catapulting him into the unknown—400 years forward to 2025.
Upon arriving in present-day Seoul, Gyun is disoriented and hungry, collapsing near a modest diner run by Bong Eun-sil (played by Chu So-jung) and her mother. Despite Eun-sil’s initial hesitation, they extend their hospitality, marking the start of a fascinating new chapter for Gyun.
The mysterious leap across time remains unexplored in episode 1. The vibrant scene of modern Seoul, filled with skyscrapers and neon lights, contrasts starkly with the structured lifestyle of Gyun’s era, amplifying his confusion and sense of alienation.
Episode 2: Adapting to Modern Times
In the second episode of Heo’s Diner, Gyun’s attempts to adapt to 21st-century Seoul illuminate the vast cultural and temporal divide he faces. He struggles with everyday tasks like using a smartphone, taking public transport, and understanding modern sociability, all of which prove daunting from his Joseon perspective. His antiquated attire and language attract the bemusement of passersby, emphasizing his estrangement in this new world.
Throughout these trials, the series expertly balances humor and pathos, inviting viewers to empathize with Gyun’s plight. Eun-sil emerges as a vital ally, acting as his cultural intermediary and guide.
As Gyun learns from Eun-sil about the fate of the Joseon dynasty—culminating in the Yi dynasty’s fall—he experiences profound shock and sadness at the reality of his lost world, intensifying the emotional stakes of his journey.
By the episode’s conclusion, Gyun gathers his senses and returns to the diner, only to find Eun-sil’s mother closing shop for the day. He resolves to wait for her outside, but as sleep overtakes him, he is jolted awake by a nightmare. Following a woman’s scream in a downpour, he discovers Eun-sil’s mother unconscious, culminating in a cliffhanger that leaves viewers on the edge of their seats.
Don’t miss the upcoming episodes 3 and 4, set to air on March 31 and April 1, 2025, on tvN, as Gyun’s adventures in modern Seoul continue to unfold.