'Chef and the hunter' announced the start of a differentiated wild entertainment show.
On the 8th, Channel A's new entertainment program 'Chef and the hunter' held its production press conference online. Present were PD Gu Jang-hyun, Choo Sung Hoon, Im Woo-il and Kyung Soo-jin.
'Chef and the hunter' is an extreme survival gourmet exploration show in which the cast completes the ultimate feast using ingredients they hunted themselves in the harsh wild. PD Gu Jang-hyun said, "The planning period was more than a year, filming lasted 15 days, and editing has been going on for more than three months. Because we prepared thoroughly, I am confident that satisfactory content will come out. As the first broadcast approaches, I think we revised episode one ten or so times. I think we will keep working on it until just before it airs, and I am looking forward to it that much."
The program captures every process from the moment ingredients are obtained directly from nature to the completion of a meal, and it does not simply show hunting scenes but meets tribes that sustain their lives through hunting and traces a journey to understand and empathize with the reasons they must hunt and the cultural context within. In particular, it shows how the ingredients hunted directly are interpreted by chef Edward Lee's hands and how they are reborn as dishes in harsh environments rather than being consumed only as survival food.
PD Gu Jang-hyun said, "Because the concept is to hunt and cook in the wild, we paid a lot of attention to the natural climate, legal conditions and all safety matters at the filming locations. There was a thorough verification process with the local government and experts. In particular, we focused on finding local tribes who actually hunt and cook. Even if it is legally permitted, the cast might find it unfamiliar to hunt and cook, so we planned to show those people's food culture and way of life first and then have the cast naturally learn. That way viewers can accept it comfortably following the flow."
He added, "There have been many wild entertainment programs, and if they covered the whole process of building shelters, foraging and cooking to eat a meal for survival in the wild, 'Chef and the hunter' has the simple theme of hunting and cooking. The distinguishing and watchable point is that because Edward Lee is here, the colorful and fancy dishes that come out through his hands appear like fine dining rather than mere food."
PD Gu Jang-hyun said, "Looking at recent broadcasts, the line between entertainment and documentary has disappeared. While they bring laughs, there is a lot of record-keeping content, and although 'Chef and the hunter' is an entertainment program, we tried to set up entertainment devices to interfere less rather than to make it funny. I thought the process of the cast hunting and cooking with the tribes was sufficiently entertaining and documentary-like, so we did not worry much."
PD Gu Jang-hyun also pointed out as a comic point that Choo Sung Hoon landed a low kick on Kyung Soo-jin and Edward Lee. Choo Sung Hoon said, "These days, when I walk down the street, citizens ask me to give them a low kick," and the 'victim' Kyung Soo-jin said, "It hurts so much when I go to the bathroom, but I wanted to get hit as a memento," drawing laughter.
The lineup full of personality, including star chef Edward Lee who oversaw the APEC leaders' summit banquet, tough fighter Choo Sung Hoon, entertainment 'cheat key' Im Woo-il and former announcer Kim Dae-ho, raises expectations.
Choo Sung Hoon said, "Hunting is dangerous, so you don't know what might happen. Paying attention to that, the most important thing was becoming one team. I remember everyone helping and cooperating. Rather than the hunt itself, I remember the process of becoming a team to hunt," and added, "Everyone is quick-witted and does their tasks and roles on their own. It was to the extent that we didn't need to talk."
About Edward Lee, who will show 'ajossi' chemistry, Choo Sung Hoon said, "We met and started in the jungle, and both Edward Lee and I are similar. We talked a lot about being born abroad and coming to Korea to work, but above all I wanted to see him cook. It was so delicious I was surprised. Recently I met Edward Lee and talked about 'Chef and the hunter,' and when I asked if he could recreate that dish he said he couldn't. He said that timing is the most important thing, which made me want to eat more."
Although he could not attend in person, Edward Lee, who sent a message via video, said, "It has been a long time since we hunted together. I'm sorry I couldn't be there. I'm still recovering in the U.S. after our adventure. I always wanted to try something new. I had never hunted or cooked in the wild. It was very hard. I couldn't sleep or eat and suffered. I hope all viewers are inspired to cook with new ingredients."
Im Woo-il said, "At first I naturally felt the pressure to be funny. I thought there must be a clear reason to invite comedians, but they were all comedians. Choo Sung Hoon is funny, and Edward Lee is at the level of an American comedian, so I felt I didn't have to try hard and let go of the pressure," and added, "When we first met I wondered if we could unite as one, but after more than two days I felt we became one. Each of us came to know what role we should play. When Kyung Soo-jin joined, she adapted quickly and knew what role she should take and did it. That was great. And the wild boar hunt is especially memorable."
Kyung Soo-jin will join as a special member in Indonesia, the first stop of 'Chef and the hunter,' and bring new energy on site. Kyung Soo-jin said, "I thought my role was to assist Edward Lee, but when I joined there was a moment I became a hunter. I like fishing, so I caught the fish of my life this time. Now I only need to catch a marlin. I caught all the stages before the marlin, so please look forward to that performance."
Kyung Soo-jin added, "I didn't have major difficulties. The members worried a lot, but I love nature and like camping, so I left feeling healed. It was the most fun of the entertainment programs I've been in. Many people I felt comfortable with made me feel at ease," and said, "My contributions are not only setting the morning table but also, as a hunter, catching a shark." Choo Sung Hoon and Im Woo-il said, "It's about a 3-meter shark. Kyung Soo-jin caught it by hand," and Kyung Soo-jin said, "I have fishing luck, and I used up my fishing luck here this year," piquing curiosity.
'Chef and the hunter' offers a variety of kicks. PD Gu Jang-hyun said, "If viewers see the 360-degree camera they will feel the sense of being on site. They will feel what it would be like to go hunting," and Kyung Soo-jin said, "The spectacular nature is the kick. As shown in the trailer, the full episode is 10 times more spectacular and fun."
Im Woo-il said, "Filming for about half a month, from the first day as time passed our emotional changes and teamwork came together. The process of getting close and becoming one is the point," and Choo Sung Hoon said, "I will take you to the jungle site."
Channel A's new entertainment program 'Chef and the hunter' premieres at 10 p.m. on the 8th.
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