Actor Lee Jang-woo's first comeback program after his wedding, "Country Village Lee Jang-woo 3", successfully concluded.
The MBC program "Country Village Lee Jang-woo 3", which aired on the 20th, closed the chapter on his third rural living experience and left a warm afterglow.
Starting in Gimje in 2024, then Ganghwa for season 2, and now Buan, <Country Village Lee Jang-woo 3> captured viewers' hearts with human stories and warm laughter instead of provocative setups. Lee Jang-woo, who spent the winter through spring in Buan, was able to build sincere relationships with residents thanks to his naturally unassuming charm and affability.
In particular, in this season 3, Lee Jang-woo's natural interactions with a wide range of generations, from young elementary school friends to village elders, drew attention. He delighted children as a playful country uncle and approached elders as an unreserved youngest son, offering a sense of warmth. He also naturally showcased Buan's seasonal ingredients, hidden master artisans, and the countryside's scenery and sentiment, prompting praise that the program properly revealed the region's hidden gem-like charm and value.
The highlight of the broadcast that day was the scene filled with the excitement of the "rice thief run." At the Buan marathon, Lee Jang-woo personally served 4,500 marathoners in attendance with "jeotgal bibimbap" and "mulberry juice," which he developed using Buan's seasonal ingredients. Participants who tasted these menu items could not help but express amazement and said in unison, "We want to visit Buan again." It was a tangible confirmation, seen and tasted, that menus imbued with Buan's flavors and sincerity are practical outcomes of regional revitalization.
Also that day, the performances of the strong supporters who have continued their ties with Lee Jang-woo attracted attention. They completed a warm chemistry by lending a hand, including Jung Jun-ha, chef Lee Won-il, Hong Seok-cheon, Imokase (chef Kim Mi-ryeong), who worked with him in seasons 1 and 2, MBC announcer Ko Kang-yong, and Lee Jang-woo's wife, actress Jo Hye-won. These people had watched Lee Jang-woo's sincere activities up close and added a finishing touch by helping directly at his busiest moments.
After the marathon ended, Lee Jang-woo's moments of reflecting on his memories in Buan also left a deep impression. He recalled the roughly four months he spent there with those on site and became teary-eyed, and that reaction fully reflected his heartfelt commitment to rural living. He expressed his affection for Buan, saying, "After Gimje and Ganghwa, I feel like I have another new hometown," and added, "I look forward to what other hometowns I might meet," raising anticipation for a new season.
The reason is that "Country Village Lee Jang-woo 3," which has established itself as a leading regional revitalization healing program, draws attention about where it will write new stories in another countryside next.
Meanwhile, in this "Country Village 3," Lee Jang-woo received attention for appearing with his wife Jo Hye-won, marking his first time on a program since his marriage. This was the first time the two appeared together on a variety show.
From episode one, Jo Hye-won arrived in Buan riding a stylish motorcycle, and she showcased her unhesitating "teto girl" charm, from starting a fire with firewood to chopping wood.
In an exclusive interview with OSEN, Lee Jang-woo said, "I didn't know Hye-won would blend in so naturally. That surprised me even more. (laughs) She's always a spirited and lively person, and the producer described her as having 'teto girl' charm, which I agree with wholeheartedly," and added, "My wife didn't try to dress up or act awkwardly in front of the camera; she really enjoyed daily life in the countryside. While filming together, it was a time when I rediscovered, 'Ah — my wife has this side!'"
[Photo] Capture from "Country Village Lee Jang-woo 3"
[OSEN]