TV
Ko Kyung-pyo was the youngest son of a makguksu restaurant
In the 14th episode aired on the 1st, Baek Jong-won, Lee Soo-geun, Heo Kyung-hwan, Ahn Bo-hyun, and Go Kyung-pyo headed to the National Forensic Service (NFS) in Wonju to prepare 140 servings of instant high-spice dishes.
The episode achieved an average viewership rating of 5.0% and a peak of 8.4% in the metropolitan area, maintaining its top spot in the same time slot for 14 consecutive weeks among cable and general programming channels. Nationwide, it recorded 4.9% and 8.4%, respectively, also securing the top spot. Among tvN's target demographic of men and women aged 20-49, it recorded an average of 2.2% and a peak of 3.3% in the metropolitan area, and an average of 2.7% and a peak of 4.0% nationwide, continuing its 14-week streak at the top.
The 14th destination was the NFS, the country's top forensic science institution. The forensic medicine building, filled with the smell of disinfectant, had 13 autopsies scheduled, including one for a 0-year-old fetus. Baek Jong-won learned about the autopsy process from a current forensic medicine chief, expressing his respect for the crucial role NFS plays in uncovering the truth behind deaths. Lee Soo-geun added, "This is a job that requires a strong sense of duty."
The client revealed the immense stress NFS employees face, stating, "We have to uncover the truth behind horrific incidents, ensuring no one is wronged. It's not a job you can do with a light heart." The client requested a meal that could relieve this stress.
Forensic pathologists preferred spicy, sweet, and refreshing high-spice dishes. Baek Jong-won was shocked to learn that NFS is treated like a repulsive facility, with no convenience stores nearby. The pathologists shared their struggles, including the need to wash up after autopsies due to the smell and often finding their meals sold out.
To accommodate the late meal times of the forensic team, Baek Jong-won chose instant cooking. He decided on spicy cold noodles as the main dish, cooking the noodles on the spot. The menu also included potato salad bread, spicy and savory oil tteokbokki, and teriyaki chicken, marking the start of their journey to prepare 140 servings.
Lee Soo-geun and Heo Kyung-hwan were once again chosen as the pre-processing duo, with Baek Jong-won providing a three-page pre-processing list. The key to Baek's spicy cold noodles was a watery but extremely spicy sauce. Ahn Bo-hyun, Baek's apprentice, handled the basic sauce, while Baek added capsaicin to create a high-spice flavor.
The potato salad bread was sweetened with strawberry jam, and the teriyaki chicken cooking began with a fiery display. Despite concerns about his eyebrows burning, Baek Jong-won coolly endured the flames. Ahn Bo-hyun also showcased an impressive fire show. Go Kyung-pyo, the youngest son of a buckwheat noodle restaurant, was in charge of cooking the noodles, confidently stating, "I won't fail." He skillfully cooked the noodles to perfection.
A special instant noodle zone and serving area were set up for the forensic team. As the staff in lab coats entered, the meal began. The employees enjoyed the high-spice dishes, expressing their happiness and saying, "We'll be smiling all day at work." A biomedical artist, the only art major at NFS, also focused on the meal. The forensic team, who arrived late after removing their protective suits, also enjoyed a proper meal thanks to Baek Jong-won's consideration.
The episode also mentioned notable cases such as the Yoo Byung-eun case, a shocking poisoning case revealed through exhumation, and the Aricell factory fire, the worst chemical plant disaster in history. These cases, which could have remained unsolved, highlighted the efforts of NFS.
Next week's episode will feature a mission to prepare a holiday meal at the Korea Road Traffic Center.
Reporter Taeyuna, TenAsia youyou@tenasia.co.kr
