On the evening of March 1, 2026, Korean television audiences tuned in to JTBC’s culinary showdown, 냉장고를 부탁해 (Please Take Care of My Refrigerator), for an episode that blended gourmet ambition, generational flavor clashes, and a dash of K-pop sparkle. The spotlight was squarely on IVE’s leader Ahn Yujin, who opened up her refrigerator—and her palate—for a lively competition among some of Korea’s most renowned chefs, all eager to win over the so-called “MZ icon.”
This particular episode, airing at 9 PM KST, was marked by a series of firsts and surprises. For one, it introduced chef Kim Si-hyun, a self-proclaimed “냉부 kid” who had grown up watching the very show he was now competing on. According to BizEnter, Kim’s debut was met with playful tension among the established chefs, especially as he brought a youthful edge to the kitchen. “I’ve tried making it myself, and it’s really delicious,” Kim said, echoing Ahn Yujin’s enthusiasm for trendy ingredients. Veteran chef Kim Poong couldn’t help but laugh, remarking, “Of course, the young ones know about this stuff,” highlighting the generational gap in culinary tastes.
The heart of the evening, however, was Ahn Yujin’s refrigerator—a treasure trove of both nostalgia and novelty. As Sports Today reported, the fridge’s contents included boiled chestnuts, flavored chestnuts, tofu, and other staples that spoke to Yujin’s “unexpected tastes.” She revealed, “I really like Korean food. Even when I travel abroad, I prefer to eat Korean dishes.” Her devotion to rice earned her the nickname “밥진이” (Babjini) among fans and colleagues alike, a moniker she wears with pride. “Even on tour, I make sure to have rice,” she explained.
Yet, it wasn’t just about tradition. The show’s MCs were quick to notice the MZ generation’s influence, with trendy, sometimes unfamiliar ingredients spilling from the shelves. When asked about her shopping choices, Ahn Yujin confessed, “I bought them after watching recipe videos,” a nod to the digital-savvy habits of her generation. She also revealed her quirky preferences: she dislikes egg yolks and eats only the whites, and when it comes to spice, she confidently rated herself a “4 out of 5.” Her love for spicy foods—ranging from kimchi stew to kimchi fried rice—prompted MC Kim Sung-joo to joke, “Your taste is like that of an older generation,” or as he put it, “아재 입맛.”
The generational divide was further underscored during the fridge inspection, as chefs stumbled upon a mysterious ingredient that sent the older participants down memory lane. “We used to buy this for 50 won during elementary school,” reminisced one chef, savoring the flavors of their youth. Meanwhile, Ahn Yujin and the younger chefs looked on, bemused and unfamiliar with the relic.
Beyond the food, the episode was a showcase of personality and performance. Chefs Jung Ho-young and Park Eun-young, both known for their showmanship, squared off in a dance battle featuring choreography from IVE’s newest hit. As Gukje News described, Jung meticulously reproduced IVE’s signature moves, while Park countered with bold dance steps and intense expressions. Park admitted, “These days, I worry more about my performance than my cooking,” while Jung shot back, “I’ve been dancing for ten years.” The playful rivalry brought laughter and applause from everyone, including Ahn Yujin herself, who gamely mimicked the chefs’ dances and offered witty reactions.
The culinary contest itself was split into two main events. The first pitted Jung Ho-young and Park Eun-young against each other, with both chefs determined to impress not just with their dishes, but with their creativity and flair. According to TopStarNews, MC Kim Sung-joo praised the complementary nature of Park’s side dishes and Jung’s main courses, suggesting that together, they made for a perfect meal. Even under time pressure, Jung insisted on preparing a kimchi side dish to complete his offering, ultimately presenting a visually stunning plate. Guest Park Jin-young, who appeared alongside Ahn Yujin, was effusive: “Both chefs looked like they were touched by the gods.” Ahn Yujin herself found Park’s dishes ideal when combined, and couldn’t help but smile as she sampled Jung’s egg-fried creation.
The second showdown was a dessert duel between Son Jong-won and Kwon Sung-joon, each determined to capture the palate of the MZ generation. Son leaned into tradition, crafting refined K-desserts with chestnuts as the star ingredient. As Seoul List recounted, he was so committed that, with five minutes left on the clock, he called in assistants Ahn Jung-hwan and Yoon Nam-no for help. Yoon pressed a French press for Son, while Ahn sampled Kwon’s handmade kadaif, a trendy ingredient inspired by the viral “두쫀쿠” snack. “This could beat the ‘두쫀쿠’—it’s even richer,” Ahn declared. Yoon, tasting Son’s sauce, quipped, “It’s a beautiful chestnut flavor.” Both chefs raced to finish their plating, their contrasting styles reflecting the broader theme of old meets new.
Throughout the episode, Ahn Yujin charmed audiences and chefs alike with her spontaneous reactions. She playfully dabbed foam on her lips before sipping a latte, flashed endearing expressions at the camera, and even let her dance moves do the talking after tasting the chefs’ dishes. Chef Kim Si-hyun was quick to voice his admiration: “She’s really pretty.” Kim Poong couldn’t resist a joke, saying, “For us, foam only gets on our lips when we drink beer.”
In the end, the episode was less about picking a single winner and more about celebrating the dynamic intersections of tradition and trend, youth and nostalgia, and, of course, the joy of sharing good food. With each chef bringing their best—whether through a perfectly executed dance, a nostalgic side dish, or a chestnut dessert that bridged generations—Ahn Yujin’s “unexpected tastes” became a catalyst for creativity and camaraderie. For viewers, it was a reminder that, sometimes, the most memorable meals are those that bring everyone to the table, regardless of age or taste.
As the credits rolled on another Sunday night, 냉장고를 부탁해 proved once again why it remains a beloved fixture in Korean households: it’s not just about what’s in the fridge, but the stories, laughter, and connections that come out of it.