MBN's 'K-Bakery Survival' Show 'Cheonhajebbang' Dominates Ratings with Debut Episode

MBN's 'Cheonhajebbang', the first-ever K-Bakery survival show, premiered with a bang, achieving a peak viewership rating of 2.3%, making it the top-rated variety show in its time slot across cable and general programming channels.

Airing on the 1st, the debut episode of 'Cheonhajebbang' recorded a nationwide rating of 2.0%, securing its position as the leader in its time slot. The show has already created a buzz, with the featured bakery of contestants Na Suji and Hwang Jio fully booked on 'Catch Table', signaling the birth of a new powerhouse IP in the entertainment and retail sectors.

The first episode opened with host Lee Da-hee and 72 contestants meeting in a grand bakery factory-themed set. The contestants, ranging from seasoned veterans to super rookies and international bakers, were in awe of the impressive scale of the competition and the esteemed panel of judges.

The ultimate winner of 'Cheonhajebbang' will receive a grand prize of 100 million won, a new brand launch, and a luxury electric SUV. The first round challenge was to create a 'signature bread' within four hours, with half of the contestants facing elimination.

As Lee Seok-won stated, "There's no 'good enough' in baking," contestants strived for perfection. Notable participants included 'Baking Patent King' Yoon Yeon-jung, 'Fine Dining Baker' Yoon Hwa-young, and 'Baking Announcer' Lee Hye-sung, who expressed her ambition to make it to the top 10.

The show featured a diverse range of bakers, including 'Rice Bread Master' Jung Tae-chae, 'National Team Chef' Yoon Jong-chan, and 'Yeosu Oh My God' Kim Ji-ho, showcasing the vast world of bread. International contestants like 'Three-Star Baker' Alessio Galli from Italy and 'French Rookie' Clément Bosch added a global flair to the competition.

The youngest contestant, 14-year-old 'Prodigy Patissier' Kim Gyu-rin, shared a connection with fellow young baker Kim Na-rae, raising expectations.

The first to be judged was 'Garlic Goddess of Gwangjang Market' Kim Eun-hee, with her 'Truffle Cream Garlic Bread'. Despite her confidence, she was eliminated due to texture issues pointed out by judge Kim Na-rae.

The 'Bakery Pilgrimage' bakers faced mixed results. 'Mangwon Bread Captain' Jung Jung-hoon passed the first round despite criticism, while 'Butter Man of Yeonnam-dong' Kim Young-seok and 'Thousand Layer Man of Jamsil' Bang Jun-ho failed to advance due to texture issues.

'Dessert Macho' Lee Kyung-moo, known for his shy demeanor, passed with his 'Ambroise' chocolate mousse cake, while 'Baking Teacher' Oh Se-sung faced rejection for his 'Pistachio Apple Saint Honoré'.

'Master of Sold-Outs' Lim Dong-seok impressed with his 'Salt Ciabatta', earning unanimous praise from the judges.

'Crazy Patissier' Hwang Ji-o advanced with his 'Ballerina' dessert, while 'Yeonnam Bread Explosion' Lim Hoon's 'Boy's Cream Bread' left judges in tears, raising curiosity about its fate.

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