Last year, actor Lee Jang-woo, who caused a stir across the country with the makgeolli he participated in researching, was unexpectedly spotted at the MBC cafeteria this time. Lee presented employees with kimchi made from radishes grown and harvested directly from Ganghwa, fried eggs in perilla oil, peach aid, and carefully made jjajangmyeon.
On this day, Lee showcased his skills by presenting a table of his signature dishes to MBC employees, using the techniques he learned from culinary masters while spending this spring and summer in Ganghwa. This tasting event was specially arranged ahead of the opening of the Ganghwa pop-up store on Aug. 30. He flaunted his usual persona as 'Dr. Jeobjeob' by serving the best food combinations and received rave reviews from those who tasted the food, successfully signaling the start of
People flocked to the cafeteria to check out Lee Jang-woo's cooking skills, forming a long line. Employees who tasted the food remarked, "The radish kimchi made from handpicked radishes is crunchy and has an exquisite flavor," "The radish is a divine touch," and "The combination of fried eggs in perilla oil and jjajangmyeon was phenomenal." They also expressed their anticipation for season 2, saying, "I'm curious about the specialties from Ganghwa."
In particular, Lee's sincerity in cooking was once again revealed as he served the food directly to employees and observed their reactions. He also shared a special episode related to the perilla oil he showcased that day, involving conversations with elderly residents from Ganghwa.
With such a positive response right from the beginning, expectations are mounting for his future activities. "Thank you for showing such a warm reaction from the first tasting event," he said, adding that "in season 2, I plan to incorporate authentic cooking and heartwarming stories centered around Ganghwa."
MBC's representative local program 'Rural Village Lee Jang-woo 2' will capture Lee immersing himself in rural villages, filling formerly quiet spaces with laughter and stories alongside local elders, while documenting the efforts to revive the community. Lee, who has become the beloved youngest member of the countryside with his down-to-earth charm, will showcase upgraded friendliness and culinary skills in Ganghwa, presenting deeper stories and diverse seasonal ingredients.
Season 1 of 'Rural Village Lee Jang-woo,' which aired in 2024 focusing on Gimje, recorded a peak viewership rating of 7.9% (households) and 3.0% (ages 2049), breaking the highest viewership record for its timeslot since the first episode. It significantly increased the resident population of Gimje, transforming the quiet town into a 'hot place.' The program garnered immense popularity and a strong response, leading to the expansion of the seasonal special, and 'Rural Village Lee Jang-woo 2' will return in the second half of the year.
[Photo] MBC
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