Ryu Soo-young learned local cooking methods in Vanuatu.

SBS 'Jungle Food' has emerged as the unrivaled leader in its time slot, securing the top spot in viewership ratings for two consecutive weeks.

According to Nielsen Korea, the episode of 'Jungle Food' aired on the 20th recorded a household viewership rating of 3.9% (Seoul metropolitan area) and a 2049 target audience rating of 1.1%, topping the time slot for two weeks in a row, surpassing all educational, entertainment, and drama programs. The scene where 'K-Home Meal Idol' Ryu Soo-young received cheers in the jungle kitchen saw the highest minute-by-minute rating peak at 4.6%.

On this day, Ryu Soo-young, Lee Seung-yoon, Seo In-guk, and Uee arrived at the Tasmate village in Vanuatu and shared meals with the local indigenous people. The locals introduced the traditional cooking method known as the 'Earth Oven,' used since ancient times, and the team visited the jungle kitchen to see the 'Lap Lap' recipe firsthand. Watching the locals grind cassava on a palm tree trunk, Ryu Soo-young remarked, "It's amazing. It's rough like sandpaper," and attempted to grind it himself. As he ground the cassava, Ryu Soo-young commented, "It's like a natural grater. If it were in Korea, it would be called a grater tree." The local women cheered like fans watching an idol as they saw Ryu Soo-young's quick grinding skills. Ryu Soo-young shared, "I feel energized in the kitchen. Even when filming cooking shows, I get excited in the kitchen but quiet in the living room. Holding a knife in the kitchen lifts my spirits." This scene recorded the highest minute-by-minute rating of 4.6%, marking the 'Best Moment.'

The members were amazed by the chewy texture and sweet, savory taste of the 'Lap Lap' made using the 'Earth Oven.' Lee Seung-yoon described the taste as "similar to our country's mugwort rice cake with a soft texture." Seo In-guk shared his dining experience, saying, "People are so busy these days that they often eat alone, but here, everyone eats together. It was nice to see them feeding the children first."

After the meal, the members moved to their new accommodation on Villa Island for a 2-night, 3-day stay. The island residents warmly welcomed them on the beach, and soon they formed a food expedition team with the locals to prepare dinner. Lee Seung-yoon declared, "We promised to help Soo-young create the best taste," and set off for fishing, saying, "We just need to catch a big tuna." Seo In-guk and Uee dived into the sea for lobster hunting.

Despite showcasing excellent diving skills, 'Ulsan Dolphin' Seo In-guk and 'Incheon Mermaid' Uee struggled in the darkening sea. Seo In-guk expressed his disappointment, saying, "I trained in freediving for hunting, but it wasn't easy since I hadn't experienced the sea before." On the other hand, Lee Seung-yoon confidently stated, "I've caught the most fish on fishing shows and often hear that I have 'fishing luck,' so I hope something good happens." He proved his fishing luck by catching a dogtooth tuna.

Ryu Soo-young was overjoyed like a child upon receiving the dogtooth tuna from Lee Seung-yoon, saying, "I didn't know you were this kind of person. I've never tried dogtooth tuna before. Let's cut it and eat it as sashimi if it's delicious." Having practiced fish preparation in Korea, Ryu Soo-young skillfully filleted the tuna and served it to the members. Seo In-guk exclaimed, "It's so delicious that it makes me happy and angry," while Ryu Soo-young added, "The tuna is sweet. It's not amberjack, but it's very savory and sweet. It's the best tuna I've ever had."

Ryu Soo-young went on to prepare tuna skewers, tuna sushi, aged kimchi tuna rolls, and tuna kimchi stew for the children. Uee, tasting the tuna kimchi stew, exclaimed, "It's over. This is worth five bottles of soju," concluding the jungle dinner.

Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr