'Talk Pawon 25 Hours' offered a dynamic virtual journey filled with rich visuals. The show also provided a glimpse of the stars of 'Hopeless' attending the Venice Film Festival.
On the episode aired on the 13th, JTBC's 'Talk Pawon 25 Hours' featured model Song Hae-na and explored 'Koreans Living Abroad,' highlighting those who have captivated London with Korean cuisine. The episode also included a virtual tour of Shijiazhuang, China, and coverage of the Venice International Film Festival in Italy.
In 'Koreans Living Abroad,' the show visited multicultural London to spotlight the rising popularity of K-food. The correspondent was invited by Chef Jihoon Kim to a fine dining Korean restaurant at a 5-star hotel in Mayfair, where they experienced the essence of K-food firsthand. The restaurant's concept and design allowed for a natural exchange of the chef's life, experiences, and philosophy.
Chef Jihoon Kim has successfully combined fresh European ingredients with Korean cooking techniques to appeal to British palates. The correspondent tasted a perfect dinner course, starting with three types of canapés using gochujang, dongchimi, and soy sauce lobster, followed by truffle-topped soybean noodles and a traditional Korean meal served in organic dishes. Local guests were also impressed by the dedication in each meal, experiencing the true charm of K-food.
The correspondent then met with Jaeil Choi, who operates five Korean restaurants in Soho, London, achieving an annual revenue of 10 billion won. At London's first retro pub, long waiting lines and sing-alongs to BLACKPINK Rosé's 'Apartment (APT.)' and Netflix animation 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' OST 'Golden' created a scene reminiscent of Hongdae streets.
At the retro pub, the correspondent experienced Korean nightlife with Korean-style cocktails and rare dishes like grilled intestines and chicken feet. Local guests, familiar with these foods from K-dramas, were delighted and intrigued. Yang Se-chan expressed pride in those promoting Korea in London.
The Chinese correspondent explored the history and culture of Shijiazhuang, a rising travel destination with visa-free access. They visited the Zhao Yun Temple, dedicated to the famous general from the Three Kingdoms, and felt the spirit of 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms.' At a traditional martial arts school, they learned Wing Chun, transforming into 'Bruce Lee,' bringing lively energy to the studio.
In a unique and secretive restaurant, the correspondent enjoyed a special hot pot. Sitting in seats carved into the roof, they experienced a romantic dining atmosphere. The hot pot, featuring special ingredients like waterfall potatoes and popular menu items like beef tendon, offered a diverse taste experience.
The Italian correspondent, along with a special correspondent, vividly reported the excitement of the Venice International Film Festival. Before attending the festival, they visited St. Mark's Basilica on the main island of Venice and enjoyed a gondola tour. They then traveled to Lido Island by vaporetto, enjoying a leisurely seafood dinner with dishes like baccalà mantecato and tuna tataki.
The correspondents attended the screening of 'Hopeless,' a film competing at the festival, at the Palazzo del Cinema. The presence of director Park Chan-wook and actors Son Ye-jin, Lee Byung-hun, Yum Hye-ran, Lee Sung-min, and Park Hee-soon, along with the intense media coverage, created a moment of pride and emotion.
The episode recorded a nationwide viewership rating of 2.3% and 2.0% in the metropolitan area, according to Nielsen Korea's paid household ratings. JTBC's 'Talk Pawon 25 Hours,' showcasing global attractions, airs every Monday at 8:50 PM.
Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr