In the second episode of 'Unpredictable [Home]' aired on October 20th, TV personality Kim Sook discovered that her long-neglected house in Seongeup Village, Jeju, is located in a national cultural heritage zone. After overcoming numerous hurdles, she finally secured architectural approval.
The episode showcased the struggles of the 'Sook Family' as they navigated unexpected challenges and secrets surrounding Kim Sook's Jeju house. The show topped the ratings for its target demographic of men and women aged 20-49, across all channels, including terrestrial networks, during its time slot. (Based on Nielsen Korea data for cable, IPTV, and satellite combined)
After an initial visit, Kim Sook, still reeling from the shock, took Lee Chun-hee and Baekga to the management office, where they learned that her house was part of a designated cultural heritage area. Unaware of this when she purchased the property due to budget constraints, Kim Sook was taken aback by the revelation.
This meant she needed to apply for a heritage alteration permit and get approval from the National Heritage Administration, a process that only certified professionals can handle. Kim Sook's renovation plans had to be completely revised. Despite visiting a certified architect, she was disheartened by the low approval odds.
Lee Chun-hee and Baekga, initially relieved to be free from the project, couldn't resist the allure of the challenge and returned to Jeju with Kim Sook to consult with an architect. As they shared their dreams for the house, they were amused to learn that the area was on par with Gyeongbokgung Palace in terms of cultural significance, prompting a shift in their plans.
After a long meeting, they finalized a design that met everyone's needs while preserving the Seongeup Village landscape, and submitted the permit application.
Back in Seoul, the group welcomed a new member, Jang Woo-young, completing their team. During an interior design presentation, each member, starting with Kim Sook, shared their ideas and references. Jang Woo-young captivated everyone with his sketchbook presentation.
Song Eun-i revealed her efforts to secure construction permits by visiting the architect and the National Heritage Administration in Daejeon. Meanwhile, Baekga and Lee Chun-hee impressed with their detailed plans, including material choices and precise drawings.
However, during a meeting, they received a conditional approval requiring an excavation survey, causing panic. As winter approached, delays mounted, and Kim Sook and Lee Chun-hee learned of Neolithic relics found in Seongeup Village, heightening their anxiety.
To make matters worse, a sudden snowstorm canceled the scheduled excavation. But days later, the survey revealed no findings, allowing Kim Sook and Song Eun-i to celebrate and proceed with construction.
The 'Sook House' renovation project, featuring the extraordinary journey of five members, airs every Friday at 10:30 PM on tvN.
Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr