Mukbang Star Tzuyang Shines in Variety Show 'Where to Bounce'

Mukbang creator Tzuyang has broken through the barriers of being a variety show rookie with her appearance on the ENA, NXT, and Comedy TV show 'Where to Bounce'.

The show, co-produced by ENA, NXT, and Comedy TV, is a unique variety program that skips pre-planned courses and lists, relying solely on recommendations from top restaurant owners to find 100% authentic eateries. In the episode aired on the 19th, Tzuyang's enthusiastic participation left her fellow 'Mat-twos' members Kim Dae-ho, Ahn Jae-hyun, and Jonathan in awe. The episode also featured a culinary journey across Jeollanam-do, from Gangjin to Suncheon and Damyang, with Tzuyang unexpectedly chosen for a dance challenge penalty, adding a humorous twist.

Reunited as a complete team, 'Mat-twos' members Kim Dae-ho, Ahn Jae-hyun, Tzuyang, and Jonathan headed to their first destination, a renowned restaurant in Gangjin, Jeollanam-do. Tzuyang, nervous from being selected for the challenge penalty, sought advice from her senior, Kim Dae-ho, who encouraged her to try everything, saying, "You never know what might happen."

Upon arriving at the first restaurant, the team impressed the owner with their dedication, becoming the first customers of the day at a famous Korean set meal restaurant that expanded from 50 to 1,200 pyeong. The restaurant, known for its barley grilled fish, abalone sashimi, grilled eel, skate, and beef tartare, captivated the senses. Tzuyang, known for her monthly income of around 100 million won, was impressed by Kim Dae-ho's ability to create new flavor combinations, exclaiming, "That's amazing!" Kim Dae-ho's appearance on 'Free Sense' reportedly increased his appearance fee by 100 times. The restaurant owner recommended a chicken specialty restaurant in Suncheon, Jeollanam-do, as a must-visit.

The second stop was a restaurant that won the grand prize at the Suncheon Chicken Cooking Contest. The 'Mat-twos' team was amazed by the full course, featuring garlic-marinated grilled chicken, oat meatballs, soy sauce chicken wings, and mung bean chicken porridge. Kim Dae-ho praised the experience, saying, "It feels like I'm in a European restaurant," while Tzuyang, enjoying a refreshing beer and chicken combo, declared, "I'm ready to dance!" The chicken restaurant owner recommended a pork cutlet and noodle restaurant in Damyang, Jeollanam-do, as a must-visit on rainy days.

Previously, the 'Mat-twos' team had failed twice to secure reservations at the pork cutlet and noodle restaurant. Kim Dae-ho, using his persuasive skills, successfully won over the owner. The restaurant, known for its unique flavors, offered dishes like wrapped pork cutlet and shaved ice noodle soup, igniting the team's appetite. Kim Dae-ho humorously suggested, "Should we become broadcasting masters instead of food masters?" as he coached Jonathan on impromptu acting and broadcast-friendly food expressions.

The Damyang restaurant owner introduced a nationwide famous beef restaurant in Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, as a must-visit, heightening anticipation for the 'Mat-twos' team's next culinary adventure. Tzuyang concluded the episode with a dance challenge, leaving viewers with a smile.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr