MBC's 'National No.1' Returns with a Special Episode Featuring Korea's Favorite Ingredient: Pork

MBC's 'National No.1' is making a comeback with a special episode for the Lunar New Year. The first theme of 'National No.1' will focus on pork, a beloved ingredient in Korea, featuring a fierce competition among three breeds: Jeju Nanchukmatdon, Icheon YBD, and Jinan Wooriheukdon.

In this episode, actress Park Ha-sun joins the show, replacing Park Na-rae, drawing attention. Known for her love of food, Park Ha-sun expressed her enthusiasm by saying, “I raised Oh Nam Teacher,” showcasing her gourmet side. Joining her are Professor Moon Jung-hoon, Chef Lee Won-il, Shingiru, and announcer Park Ji-min, who will share tips on enjoying pork more deliciously and provide lively reactions to enhance the atmosphere.

The three MCs representing each region also visited the sites to taste the pork and highlight its strengths. First, Moon Se-yoon, transformed into 'Director Bong Joon-ho,' visited Jeju to discover the true value of Nanchukmatdon. From pork belly reminiscent of beef marbling to juicy donmahawk, the full course left the studio in awe. Shingiru, watching, praised it as “an emotional experience like watching a movie,” while Moon Se-yoon declared, “Pork is my domain,” hinting at a fiery rivalry among the MCs.

Notably, Chef Song Hoon, who gained attention on 'Black and White Chef 2,' made a surprise appearance in the Jeju delegation, expressing his unique affection for promoting Nanchukmatdon and supporting the Jeju region.

In the Icheon segment, Park Ha-sun introduced dishes using the Icheon YBD pork breed for the farmers, eliciting admiration from the cast. Watching this, Moon Se-yoon confessed, “Known flavors are scary, but unknown flavors are even scarier.”

In Jinan, announcer Kim Dae-ho and his junior Park Ji-min met with a farmer running a Wooriheukdon farm. The farmer confidently stated, “Jinan black pork is incomparable to Jeju black pork,” foreshadowing an intense black pork showdown. In the following VCR, Kim Dae-ho prepared a camping dish with 'Wooriheukdon' for his junior, making everyone watching the video salivate. Observing the Wooriheukdon feast in the snowy setting, Jeju representative Moon Se-yoon jokingly questioned, “Did the production team sprinkle the snow?” bringing laughter to all.

This episode introduces a new final voting method, different from the previous Chuseok special. The evaluation panel will grill and taste the pork belly from the three regions in a blind test, with numerous burners creating a spectacular scene. The gourmet panel exclaimed, “It's a spectacle.” The audience eagerly anticipates which choice the evaluation panel will make.

The first broadcast of 'National No.1' airs on the 16th at 8:10 PM.

Tae Yuna, Ten Asia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr