Climate and environment project "The Chef of Antarctica" (production: STUDIO X+U, MBC) featured Paik Jong-won X Im Soo-hyang X Suho X Chae Jong-hyup visiting an Argentine base to share each other's food cultures and present a scene of great harmony.
On Dec. 1, marking "Antarctica Day" (the day the Antarctic Treaty was signed), the climate and environment project "The Chef of Antarctica" aired episodes 3·4 consecutively. In that broadcast, Paik Jong-won X Im Soo-hyang X Suho X Chae Jong-hyup delivered lunchboxes for the "penguin research team," who, due to research activities, could not return to the Antarctic King Sejong Station by evening.
The Antarctic special protected area "ASPA 171" they arrived at is a region of high ecological and scientific conservation value, home to various species of birds including gentoo penguins and chinstrap penguins, and dozens of species of mosses, cryptogams and plants. As it is a special protected area, both the cast and the production team received prior entry permission, and all entered after putting on protective suits and learning the safety precautions. They then met researchers Kim Yu-na·Kim Ji-hee·Lee Hyuk-jae of the penguin research team at the site. The penguin research team enjoyed the porridge delivered by the four, warming their frozen bodies even if only for a short time.
The researchers measured the weight of penguin eggs to predict hatching times and investigated breeding success rates, and they attached location trackers to collect data on penguin movements, hunting frequency, travel time and range. Researcher Kim Yu-na said, "Penguins are an indicator species of the Antarctic ecosystem," explaining that penguins are an important measure of the health of the Antarctic ecosystem. Beyond simple observation, they were accumulating long-term data to protect the Antarctic ecosystem and contribute to predicting global environmental changes. In response, Chae Jong-hyup said, "I learned for the first time that penguins are such a valuable species for research in terms of climate change and ecology," expressing amazement.
Meanwhile, in Antarctica, a culture of naturally sharing and helping each other with whatever was lacking had formed. Amid that, when news came that some ingredients were scarce at Argentina's Carlini Station, the four of "The Chef of Antarctica" and the personnel at King Sejong Station joined together to deliver ingredients. Just as King Sejong Scientific Station studies the penguin village, Argentina's Carlini Station was studying the elephant seal village. Nearby were the Samhyungjebong peaks formed by volcanic activity and "Yamana Nunatak," a peak protruding above the glacier. The scenery was breathtaking, but as snow and ice melted and the terrain changed, the dangers of global warming were laid bare.
The Argentine personnel welcomed them and served the South American traditional barbecue "asado." They also formed a bond through the Argentine tradition of sharing the traditional drink "mate" by drinking from a single straw in turns. Mario, the Argentine logistics chief, presented the four with a wooden sled that he makes for colleagues finishing their time in Antarctica. Mario, who was soon finishing his duties and returning home, became emotional at what felt like a gift on his last Antarctic tour of duty with his fellow personnel when "The Chef of Antarctica" arrived, and the wintering personnel, including Im Soo-hyang, were also moved.
The four of "The Chef of Antarctica" returned the hospitality by preparing bulgogi for dinner, taking advantage of the Argentine base's abundance of meat. Unlike King Sejong Station, which grows vegetables in a greenhouse, they made chimichurri seasoning from spring cabbage brought from King Sejong Station for the Argentine personnel who likely had not eaten fresh vegetables. At the sight of fresh vegetables, the Argentine personnel said, "I could stay in Antarctica one more year," expressing admiration. They also enjoyed the K-dessert dalgona, made famous by Squid Game, together and spent a warm, convivial time. Argentine chef Andres said, "It is an honor that you used our kitchen," and both those who made the food and those who ate it enjoyed a happy time. The Argentine base gave meat, an ingredient, to King Sejong Station, gifting each other a meaningful time.
To mark the 66th anniversary of the signing of the Antarctic Treaty on Dec. 1, "Antarctica Day," the climate and environment project "The Chef of Antarctica" distributed free phone wallpapers featuring Antarctic animals from Adélie penguins, chinstrap penguins, humpback whales and Weddell seals to band-billed plovers. "The Chef of Antarctica" is released every Monday at 12 a.m. on U+tv and U+mobiletv, and airs on MBC the same Monday at 10:50 p.m.
[Photo] "The Chef of Antarctica"
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