ENA 'Mouth-exploding Laboratory' (directed by Song Ga-hee) is the world's first scientific mukbang talk show in which scientists with explosive appetites experiment on the secrets of taste under the theme "Why is it delicious science?" Beyond mukbang entertainment that simply eats food, describes its taste and reacts, the program's biggest feature is that it intellectually explores why something is delicious by formulating and testing scientific "taste hypotheses." And today (22), three days before the first broadcast, anticipation is rising as the reasons for participation and each participant's highlights — Kim Poong, Gwedo, Joo Woo-jae, Ha-young and Jang Hong-je — were revealed as they opened the "taste laboratory."
■ Slurp doctor Kim Poong, "A program tailored to me like a custom-made outfit; as a lighthearted MC I'll lead enjoyable experiments."
"My cooking may seem to have no roots, but in fact I approach cooking based on scientific principles. 'Mouth-exploding Laboratory' is a program planned as if a custom-made outfit was prepared for someone like me," Kim Poong said of his reason for joining. "If I have previously combined a writer's imagination with scientific knowledge, this time I want to show that way of thinking directly. As an MC, with lighthearted hosting I will disarm the cast and draw out unique, multidimensional sides of the cast that haven't been seen on other shows," he added, expressing his determined ambitions.
▶ Highlight: He is the "slurp doctor" who explains taste with scientific evidence and the mood maker of the laboratory.
■ Ace doctor Gwedo, "Finally an opportunity for a gourmet science talk show; I'll join the most creative experiments in the world."
Science communicator Gwedo opened by saying, "Gourmet programs are always appealing. When stylish dishes appear they catch your eye and you stare in awe. The act of eating well-cooked food itself favored human survival, which is why 'why does this happen?' arises." He added, "While wondering if there was a show that could tell these various science stories, I immediately joined the opportunity to lead a gourmet science talk show that advocates a laboratory." Gwedo said, "Probably every week will be full of delicious and enjoyable science stories. I'll work to make it a space to do the most creative and surprising experiments with excellent researchers and share insights."
▶ Highlight: An "ace doctor" who explains scientific principles clearly and simply and a "translator of taste." As a science communicator, he visualizes the science of gastronomy.
■ Joo Woo-jae, "Comfortable conversations with brothers who like science; childish questions are the point."
Joo Woo-jae, who raises expectations for perfect chemistry with Kim Poong and Gwedo, said, "I really like talking about science. Because it's very comfortable science talk shared with close brothers, I thought it would be easier to convey to viewers," and added, "I think I can ask childish questions that come from pure curiosity." In fact, Joo Woo-jae is famous as a "light eater" who isn't particularly passionate about food. Even he said, "Thanks to the professors who join us, I seem to be learning many new facts. Foods I used to eat without thinking now appear as interesting science stories," describing his change.
▶ Highlight: Transforms from a "light eater" into a "reaction master." He is a core pillar who electrifies the flow of laboratory talks with unpredictable questions and spontaneous reactions.
■ Curiosity doctor Ha-young, "I found it fascinating that I could analyze foods I like scientifically."
"Being able to analyze foods I like scientifically was the most interesting point," Ha-young said of her reason for joining, adding, "I want to convey the public's curiosity about two interesting fields, food and science." She said, "In the future, when eating, I want to share experiences that delight not only the mouth but also the mind." She also added a hidden fun point, saying, "The chemistry between Kim Poong, Gwedo and Joo Woo-jae is the 'Gam-Da-Sal combo' itself. Their delivery of any joke or theory in a way that everyone can relate to and laugh at was really impressive and fun, so viewers should not miss it."
▶ Highlight: The curious "youngest of the lab." She is the "spokesperson for curiosity" who reasks the cast's theories from the public's perspective and is responsible for the lab's vitality.
■ Chemist Jang Hong-je, "The flower of chemistry is experiment; if that experiment is about food, there was no reason to refuse."
"The flower of chemistry is experiment. If that experiment involves eating food and enjoying science talk, I had no reason to refuse," chemist Jang Hong-je said, readily accepting the invitation. "I joined the opportunity to introduce the two similar experimental worlds of cooking and chemistry to various people. If you get food whenever you talk about chemistry, where else is such heaven?" he quipped, giving his witty reason for joining, and added behind-the-scenes, "I also enjoyed the chaotic chemistry with the cast. Isn't cooking itself a delicate balance felt within a mess of mixed flavors? It was truly a cooking-like time," further heightening expectations.
▶ Highlight: A "scientific distinguisher" who pinpoints the essence of experiments. He is the on-site intellect who expresses taste in formulas and logic.
The production team said, "If you listen to each cast member's reason for opening this laboratory, you can see the program's direction," adding, "Their curiosity and expertise mesh to present viewers with new 'secrets of taste.' Please look forward to a new-concept gourmet entertainment where delightful experiments and intellectual talk coexist."
'Mouth-exploding Laboratory' will premiere on ENA on Saturday, Oct. 25 at 9:30 p.m.
[Photo] ENA
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