On February 22, the latest episode of MBC's hit variety show '놀면 뭐하니?' featured beloved host Yoo Jae-suk alongside actor Lee Yi-kyung and Japanese gourmet Matsushige Yutaka, known for his culinary exploration series '고독한 미식가.' The trio's delightful culinary adventure drew audiences closer to the experience of traditional Korean gastronomy, sparking laughter and cultural exchanges.
During the 268th episode of the show, the quartet's exploration began with 과메기, a traditional Korean delicacy made from dried fish, as they prepared to meet Matsushige. This moment allowed them to bond over shared tastes and food experiences. Upon their arrival at the restaurant, Yoo said to Matsushige, "We came here because Eun-kyung wanted to try 과메기."
Soon afterward, Matsushige expressed his surprise at the unique dish: "I’ve never even heard of 과메기 before, and it’s difficult to pronounce!" The friendly banter made the atmosphere lively. Lee Yi-kyung humorously attempted to describe 과메기 as "Korean traditional jelly," eliciting light-hearted reactions from Yoo and Eun-kyung, who politely disagreed.
While enjoying the dish, Eun-kyung shared her enthusiasm for 과메기, mentioning its potential strong smells: "It can be polarizing. Some people may find it too fishy, but I just adore it!" The plates of 과메기 were soon before them, and with great eagerness, Eun-kyung demonstrated the eating method to Matsushige, who watched with anticipation.
Shot by sunlight beaming through the restaurant window and enveloped by the aromas of traditional Korean food, the group’s interactions served not only to highlight their chemistry but also reflected their mutual respect for one another's culture. Yoo expressed to Matsushige, "It’s such an honor to share this meal with you today, and the way you enjoy the food is simply inspiring!" Meanwhile, Matsushige delicately sampled the dish, stating, "The best flavor you can have is when you are truly hungry, and so sharing this meal is quite meaningful."
Following their meal at the 과메기 restaurant, the group headed to Namdaemun Market, where they sought out another traditional dish, 꼬리곰탕. Upon arrival, Yoo revealed to audiences, "Interestingly enough, Eun-kyung has never been to this market before!" This elicited both curiosity and excitement among the group.
While they enjoyed the soup, tensions eased as they exchanged personal anecdotes and stories. Matsushige shared his admiration for Yoo, likening him to well-known Japanese comedian Akashiya Sanma: "Your popularity here is much like his is Japan. It's remarkable!" This prompted Lee Yi-kyung to boast about Yoo's accolades, noting, "He’s won 20 Grand Prizes!"
It was evident throughout the episode how playful interactions invigorated their camaraderie. While enjoying the meal, Matsushige curiously asked if they would be filming during dinner. Lee Yi-kyung assured him, "Your presence alone guarantees great content!"
One humorous exchange exploded when Yoo asked Matsushige which foods he enjoyed most, and Matsushige, without hesitating, mentioned his fondness for dumplings, which he still makes at home. Yoo then coaxed him to share secret recipes, prompting the chef to respond, "I can’t just give away all my best-kept secrets!"
The warmth and friendship continued to build as they became increasingly comfortable with one another. Near the end of the episode, exploring Matsushige’s culinary experiences led to him proclaiming, "Honestly, the delicious food places I would never have found without this opportunity!"
Now anticipating the release of '고독한 미식가 더 무비,' Matsushige excitedly concluded the show by thanking fans who have embraced the series: "It's heartwarming to know '고독한 미식가' is celebrated even here in Korea. I hope you all enjoy the movie just as much!"
This culinary adventure showcased how food can bridge cultural gaps, fostering connections and friendships through shared experiences. The camaraderie, humor, and culinary delight displayed by Yoo Jae-suk, Lee Yi-kyung, and Matsushige Yutaka exemplified the timeless joys stemming from simple yet significant moments spent together over food, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the next delectable adventure.