A food talk show featuring the 'true chemistry' of Choi Hwajung and Kim Hoyeong is coming to viewers.
On the afternoon of the 7th, a production presentation for ENA's new entertainment program 'Choi Hwajung and Kim Hoyeong's Missed You' was held at the Brookfield Hall, IFC Seoul in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. The presentation included Choi Hwajung, Kim Hoyeong, ENA producer An Je-min, and In&In producer Kim Hee-dong who discussed the show.
'Choi Hwajung and Kim Hoyeong's Missed You' (hereinafter 'Missed You') is a regular food talk show where the well-feeding sister Choi Hwajung and the food-savvy gourmand Kim Hoyeong invite stars to their favorite restaurants to share food, philosophy, and support.
On that day, Producer An Je-min stated, "This program is created by my senior Choi Hwajung, who is known for her comfortable hosting style and ability to put others at ease, as well as her firm philosophy about food. Kim Hoyeong, who has perfect chemistry with Choi Hwajung, is also part of the show. It's a talk show combined with a food program where viewers can comfortably see which restaurants stars go to as regulars on weekends."
Producer Kim Hee-dong noted, "I believe this program was created because of Choi Hwajung. When we were deciding on the title, we pondered what words come to mind when thinking of Choi Hwajung, and it became 'Missed You'. While it's important for stars to visit their favorite restaurants to share eating tips, what I genuinely want to convey is that, unlike other programs, we hope people will visit these delicious places, and we want to capture the stories of the guests and visitors. Once you see the first episode, you'll know why we chose these places and why we selected these dishes. We have a rich narrative prepared, so I hope you look forward to it."
Choi Hwajung said, "For some time now, we've been wanting to know someone's favorite restaurants. When we go out, opinions like 'this was really good' or 'this wasn't great' are often discussed. When dating, the level of knowledge about good places can determine whether the date is boring or exciting. Having a delicious meal with someone you'd like to spend time with is worth taking time for, even outside of this program. We visit both famous restaurants and street food places, and when you eat something delicious, conversation flows easily. In a studio with lights, everything feels rigid, but when food is involved, discussions come out naturally. I hope this program allows for that natural feeling to shine through. While filming, I felt more relaxed, and I hope it feels like a genuine chat with close friends rather than a formal talk show."
She added, "Hoyeong is very good at creating chemistry, often suggesting directions, while I follow along. That chemistry makes shooting the program feel lighter. There's pressure for the program to do well, but we enjoyably visit star restaurants and engage in conversation without burden. I hope everyone looks forward to it."
Kim Hoyeong also said, "This program is about sharing meals with stars I wanted to meet. I love chatting and eating; I've longed for a talk show since I was a child. I'm thrilled to work with my long-time chemistry partner, Choi Hwajung. While filming, the atmosphere feels so natural that I forget I'm in a broadcast setting; it's just casual eating with a star who has invited us. I hope both we and the viewers can feel that comfort and joy through this program."
Particularly, the two have previously collaborated on 'Power Time.' Choi Hwajung, who was with him during her last broadcast, said, "In fact, no one has ever asked me whom I want to work with. When it was said that it would be with Kim Hoyeong, I was very pleased. Our chemistry is incredible. Hoyeong lifts spirits and always brings brightness and energy, but he also pays attention to small details. I think he's inherently good at it, whether it's broadcasting or anything else. During the last radio broadcast, I felt overwhelmed with emotion, but Hoyeong was the one who supported me. I believe many people are aware of that. We received several program proposals aside from this one because of our chemistry."
Kim Hoyeong also reflected, "I think the moment of Choi Hwajung's last radio broadcast had the biggest impact. Even though we only did a corner once a week over the years, experiencing that chemistry with Choi Hwajung during her last broadcast made an impression on the producers, writers, and listeners present. It seemed that everyone was really moved and pleased by that. Those moments seem to have spread a lot. I would do my best with anyone, but it feels so comfortable working with Hwajung. The way we connect in conversation is so smooth. It's important to understand someone's intentions, as discussions can become dull if we can't follow each other's points. This smooth understanding raises expectations for our chemistry, and I believe the production team hopes for that 'true friend chemistry' and 'true sibling chemistry' as well."
Choi Hwajung has previously presented a similar format through 'Bless You' and YouTube. When asked about the differences, she shared, "In 'Bless You', we would eat together with close juniors without realizing if there was a camera, ordering food at my house for the first episodes. We ate delicious food naturally and celebrated it without realizing a camera was present. I never expected that people would love what I usually do. Rather than seeking differentiation, I believe it should be natural. However, on a broadcast, that kind of vibe doesn't seem to emerge. It's hard to act natural in front of the camera. I'd prefer it to be so natural that it doesn't require differentiation, but since stars are still stars, sometimes the image I have in mind doesn't align, which can create awkwardness and pleasant surprises."
She continued, "These days, I feel that people shy away from public broadcasts. They feel the need to be serious and cautious. Therefore, I want to create a comfortable space. I think of it that I need to eat more, laugh more, and make people feel 'missed' as part of my MC role. Since we're not just visiting our house, it's a star's restaurant, so I need to adapt quickly. But so far, it has been successful."
Earlier, the teaser for the first episode hinted at the appearance of Choo Sung-hoon, generating excitement. When asked who else he wants to feature, Kim Hoyeong expressed, "I would like to meet those with whom we can share experiences. It would also be great to invite someone who has a relationship with us, surprising people by asking, 'Did they know each other?' Additionally, if there are guests older than Choi Hwajung, whom she is not familiar with, it would showcase another side of her. People like Park Jeong-ja or Son Suk would create a fun atmosphere when present."
Producer An Je-min shared, "The standard is a person who eats well and knows many good restaurants. While Seo Seok-young is known for knowing great restaurants, I believe true good places remain hidden. If they are publicly known, people will flock to them, making it hard to visit. I want to dig deep to discover restaurants that are genuinely undiscovered. Also, Hae-jung Woo is someone who I want to invite to enjoy his meals. I would love to have both of them here."
Additionally, regarding the differences from other food talk shows, he remarked, "The seniors told me that if it's too new, viewers might turn away. I heard that viewers want something a bit different. The small but significant difference is that while traditional food programs have hosts visiting restaurants, we flipped this around. Here, guests visit their favorite spots, creating a subtle but essential shift. Even though the guests are technically customers, their discussions grow, focusing on whether the food is enjoyable. This change in relationship is a small but new aspect. Visually, we have South Korea's best camera directors capturing dishes that others haven't filmed, presenting hidden foods beautifully, so I hope that's how you see it."
Finally, about the viewing points, Producer Kim Hee-dong emphasized, "I hope viewers see this program as a food talk show where stars casually visit their favorite hidden restaurants. While there may be challenges in discussing unfamiliar places, it should feel like hanging out and chatting comfortably with friends." Kim Hoyeong added, "Many wonder if Choi Hwajung really eats that well. I knew she ate well in daily life, but when on camera, there's often some restraint. However, that restraint doesn't exist here. Viewers will see her enjoying food tremendously, which I think is wonderful and lovely to witness."
Choi Hwajung especially noted, "There are so many YouTube shows out there these days. However, I feel like there's no comfortable eating talk show on public broadcasting. I'd like everyone to pay attention to that, and most importantly, sharing a delicious meal with someone you've missed is healing. I hope everyone enjoys this relaxed time," expressing concern about the competition with the drama 'Treasure Island', which is ranking first in the same time slot.
He then stated, "I want to know Park Hyung-sik's favorite restaurant." Hearing this, Kim Hoyeong said, "It would be fantastic to have Huh Joon-ho and Park Hyung-sik on the show. If their schedules coincide and everything works out, that would be great."
Producer An Je-min expressed, "Many restaurants will be featured. It's not just about restaurants that everyone knows; hidden menus that only regulars know will also be introduced. Pay attention to the unique ways of enjoying food that will be showcased. With 'Missed You' arriving in spring, I kindly ask for your attention. Dramas are typically binge-watched, so wait until the end and enjoy 'Missed You' when it airs live!"
[Photo] ENA
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