The 60th episode of JTBC’s popular variety show ‘냉장고를 부탁해 since 2014’ (‘Please Take Care of My Refrigerator’) aired on March 1, 2026, delivering a lively mix of nostalgia, generational banter, and star-studded appearances. The show, known for inviting celebrities to reveal the contents of their refrigerators and then challenging top chefs to whip up creative dishes from those ingredients, welcomed two particularly notable guests this time: Ahn Yujin from the chart-topping K-pop group Ive, and actor Park Jinyoung, formerly of GOT7.
For Ahn Yujin, the episode marked a significant personal milestone. She confessed on air that, despite her years in the industry, this was the first time she had properly met Park Jinyoung. Her anticipation was palpable, and she shared a quirky anecdote that had long piqued her curiosity. "Since my debut, this is my first proper meeting with Park Jinyoung. During my trainee days, my company often told me I resembled Park Jinyoung’s old photos where he dressed as a woman," she revealed, according to Newsen. It was a moment that brought laughter and a touch of humility to the set, bridging the gap between K-pop generations.
The show’s host, Kim Sungjoo, seized the opportunity to add some playful drama. He surprised everyone by producing the very photo Ahn Yujin mentioned—an image of Park Jinyoung in women’s clothing from his earlier entertainment days. The chefs and guests alike took a good look, and the consensus was clear: the resemblance, especially in their mouth shapes, was uncanny. The chefs nodded in agreement, and the studio echoed with good-natured amusement.
But the episode wasn’t just about celebrity lookalikes and nostalgic throwbacks. It also marked the debut of a fresh face in the show’s renowned chef lineup: Kim Siyun, a 2000-born culinary prodigy already making waves in the Korean fine-dining scene. Kim introduced himself as a true ‘냉부 kid,’ explaining that he’d dreamed of becoming a chef ever since watching the show as a middle schooler. His journey from aspiring viewer to featured chef is a testament to the show’s enduring influence on Korea’s culinary culture.
Kim Siyun’s credentials are nothing to sneeze at. He has honed his craft at Michelin-starred Korean restaurants, including ‘Gaon’ and ‘Bichena,’ and at the one-star Michelin restaurant ‘Solbam.’ Despite his youthful, almost cherubic appearance, Kim has earned the nickname ‘baby beast’ for the intensity and focus he brings to the kitchen. The contrast between his looks and his fierce cooking style did not go unnoticed by the other chefs or the audience.
From the get-go, Kim Siyun was thrown into the deep end. Veteran chef Kwon Sungjun, known as the ‘ambitious chef,’ made it clear that no special treatment would be given to the newcomer. In a lighthearted but competitive exchange, Kwon hinted, "We don’t go easy on rookies here," setting the stage for a friendly rivalry. Kim, unfazed, responded by confidently unveiling his own recipe, sparking a mix of tension and laughter throughout the studio. According to BNT News, this dynamic helped create an atmosphere that was both competitive and entertaining.
The show’s producers introduced Kim Siyun as a new force representing the tastes and sensibilities of the MZ generation—a term used in Korea to describe Millennials and Generation Z. This generational shift was highlighted during the episode when unique ingredients from Ahn Yujin’s refrigerator were revealed. Kim Siyun, himself a member of the MZ cohort, remarked, "I often make dishes with these at home," immediately connecting with the younger guests and viewers. The veteran chefs, meanwhile, chuckled and admitted, "Only the young ones know these ingredients," underscoring the evolving landscape of Korean food culture.
The generational divide wasn’t just about ingredients. When snacks popular among the older chefs during their elementary school days appeared, both Ahn Yujin and Kim Siyun looked puzzled, unfamiliar with these retro treats. The moment was a gentle reminder of how tastes and culinary memories shift over time, and it became a running theme throughout the episode. The interplay between old and new, tradition and innovation, gave the show an extra layer of depth and relatability.
As always, the core of ‘냉장고를 부탁해’ remained the cooking battles. With Ahn Yujin and Park Jinyoung as the day’s guests, the chefs were tasked with crafting dishes that would surprise and delight, using only what was found in the stars’ refrigerators. The episode’s broadened generational composition—MZ chefs like Kim Siyun facing off against established culinary veterans—made for unpredictable and exciting showdowns. The stakes were high, and the pride of each generation was on the line.
For Ahn Yujin, the experience was more than just a television appearance. Her excitement about meeting Park Jinyoung, the playful comparison to his past cross-dressing photo, and the camaraderie with chefs both young and old, all combined to create a memorable day. It was a reminder of how the entertainment industry, much like the culinary world, thrives on both tradition and reinvention.
Park Jinyoung, for his part, took the good-natured ribbing in stride. The playful nod to his earlier days as a performer, and the acknowledgment of his influence on younger idols like Ahn Yujin, showcased the enduring bonds and mutual respect that connect generations of Korean entertainers.
Meanwhile, Kim Siyun’s debut did more than just shake up the chef lineup. His presence—and the generational conversations he sparked—hinted at a new direction for the show, one that embraces both the wisdom of experience and the energy of youth. As the episode drew to a close, viewers were left with a sense of anticipation: what new flavors, personalities, and stories will emerge as ‘냉장고를 부탁해’ continues to evolve?
With its blend of humor, heart, and high-stakes cooking, the 60th episode captured everything fans love about the show—while also pointing to an exciting future. Whether you’re a longtime viewer or a newcomer tuning in for the first time, there’s no denying that ‘냉장고를 부탁해’ remains a delicious showcase of Korea’s ever-changing pop culture and culinary scene.