Yujeong Jeong and Yu Jae Seok recently delighted fans with their culinary collaboration during the popular MBC variety show What Do You Want to Play? on February 22. The segment, featuring the iconic dish Kwamegi, brought not only laughter but also delicious food exploration, as the two entertainers showcased their contrasting yet complementary personalities.
The program featured special guests, including actress Shim Eun-kyung. The joyful atmosphere unfolded as Yae Seok, known for his humorous antics, expressed genuine excitement upon meeting Yujeong Jeong, the star of the renowned Japanese series Solitary Gourmet, remarking, "It feels like I walked right out of one of the show’s scenes!" His admiration for Yujeong was evident, as he affectionately referred to him as Goro-san, the character from the series.
Upon entering the Kwamegi restaurant, Yae Seok's enthusiasm peaked when he saw Yujeong and exclaimed, "Wow, Goro-san! I’m such a big fan!" His childlike excitement endeared him to the audience, capturing the spirit of fandom and the joy of culinary discovery.
During the meal, Yae Seok playfully remarked how he and Yujeong share similarities. Yujeong, known for his calm demeanor, humorously retorted, "I think the only resemblance is our glasses!" Their comedic exchange lightened the mood and emphasized the rapport they were building.
This light-hearted banter didn’t stop there. Yae Seok acknowledged his peculiar eating habits when discussing preferences about raw fish. "I don't really like raw fish, but sometimes I eat sashimi and sushi." His admission led Yujeong to chuckle, dubbing him "a picky eater," which elicited laughter from the others present.
Shim Eun-kyung, the enthusiastic culinary companion, also intrigued viewers as she shared her newfound affection for Kwamegi, recently having been introduced to it. "You’ve got to try this! I enjoy it so much now," she chimed, injecting her enthusiasm for the dish which captivated both Yae Seok and Yujeong.
Later, the conversations deftly moved to their experiences with food. Yae Seok shared his reluctance toward sushi’s freshness and how he had once come to love Korean makgeolli, reminiscing about his last visit to Korea. He nostalgically expressed, "When I came to Korea last time, I found fresh makgeolli incredibly delicious, but I couldn't take any back with me to Japan. It's unfortunate!"
Yujeong took the opportunity to share some of his culinary techniques from the Solitary Gourmet series, noting his eating preparation methods for filming. "Before shooting, I typically do not eat dinner, to make it looks more genuine when tasting the food during the show." He explained this intentional approach allows him to eat naturally on screen, which is central to the Solitary Gourmet charm.
The episode caught various viewers' attention not just for the food, but for the delightful dynamics between Yae Seok and Yujeong, who shared meals at different locations across South Korea. Whether savoring the flavors of hearty tail soup or discussing food preferences at various markets, it revealed much about their character and camaraderie.
Yae Seok's comments continued to resonate with audiences as he expressed joy at this unique culinary pairing. He declared he would love to share more eateries with Yujeong afterward. "Please share your top restaurants with me!"
To finish off this enjoyable episode, the four had one fun moment radiated with friendship, snapping selfies together as keepsakes of their delicious shared experiences. Yae Seok put the spotlight on capturing memories rather than just enjoying the food, stating, "I don’t often take photos, but this time, I definitely want to!"
According to MK Sports, this segment marked another notable milestone for MBC, bringing to light new culinary interests and personal interactions wrapped around humor and charm. This enjoyable combination not only entertained but also sparked interest among viewers, raising the show's ratings impressively.
The combination of gourmet exploration and personal connections continues to make this collaboration memorable, as the chemistry between Yujeong Jeong and Yu Jae Seok adds a unique layer of entertainment along with their respective passion for food.
This episode on What Do You Want To Play? not only highlighted the joy of discovering food together but also showed how culinary experiences can build unexpected bonds. Yujeong and Yae Seok have set the stage for future culinary adventures, proving once again the magic of laughter and food can create lasting memories.