tvN's 'Chagane' Embarks on a New Kimchi Venture with Ambitious Goals

tvN's 'Chagane' is setting its sights on becoming the 'Dujonku of the Kimchi World' as it kicks off a new business project.

In the 8th episode aired on the 26th, the 'Chagane' team traveled to Busan to explore their new kimchi business venture. The episode highlighted the personal kimchi battles among team members and revealed the grand ambitions of boss Cha Seung-won, 55.

Upon arriving at the Busan headquarters, Cha Seung-won immediately checked the kimchi he had prepared days earlier, marking the official start of the kimchi business. Although the youngest members, DinDin and Danny Koo, had secretly added seasoning, Cha Seung-won was unaware and expressed satisfaction, saying, "This is the kimchi taste I want."

The secret alliances among team members added intrigue. Choo Sung-hoon and DinDin bonded over their grievances about boss Cha Seung-won and the unequal team structure during a sauna session, forming the 'Sauna Alliance.' Despite their complaints, their alliance humorously fell apart within an hour. Back at headquarters, they quickly adapted to the social dynamics, leading to tattling and division, providing comic relief.

With Danny Koo joining, the 'Chagane' team's journey began in earnest. Their first stop in Busan was a kimchi stew restaurant that Cha Seung-won had frequented for 24 years. Known for its minimal ingredients that highlight the authentic taste of kimchi, even the boss couldn't resist eating directly from the bowl. Cha Seung-won emphasized the importance of preserving the original taste of kimchi, noting, "What's amazing is that this taste hasn't changed in 20 years," while the team continued their kimchi research with gusto.

The team then sought a market where they could source kimchi ingredients year-round. Cha Seung-won had previously suggested a shift in perspective, saying, "Think of kimchi as a salad," aiming to make kimchi more accessible. Each member decided to create their own 'personal kimchi.' DinDin proposed a 'Vancouver Kimchi' with maple syrup, but faced skepticism from Cha Seung-won. He sought validation from Chef Jung Ho-young, a top contestant on 'Black and White Chef 2,' who saw potential in the idea. Choo Sung-hoon, Tommy, and Danny Koo also began developing their kimchi with spicy chili powder and apples.

The kimchi battles among team members were a highlight. Tommy and Danny Koo, working as a team, created a unique apple radish kimchi using the boss's expertise. Meanwhile, DinDin pursued his independent path with the maple syrup-infused 'Vancouver Kimchi.' Choo Sung-hoon, with no prior kimchi-making experience, crafted an intensely spicy kimchi by mixing various chilies, creating a visually striking dish. As Cha Seung-won assisted and motivated the team, he humorously remarked, "Everyone thinks their kimchi will be commercialized, but it's all mine anyway," revealing his hidden agenda.

During the much-anticipated tasting session, the team sampled four types of kimchi alongside Cha Seung-won's signature boiled pork. Cha Seung-won's kimchi received high praise for its perfect pairing with meat, while DinDin's sweet 'Vancouver Kimchi' and Choo Sung-hoon's extremely spicy kimchi also received unexpected acclaim. In contrast, Tommy and Danny Koo's apple radish kimchi was overlooked, adding humor. Cha Seung-won's choice was Choo Sung-hoon's spicy kimchi, prompting a competitive glance from Choo Sung-hoon.

The 'Chagane' team then enjoyed a dessert time with 'Dujonku' (Dubai chewy cookies) brought by Danny Koo. Cha Seung-won's ultimate goal is to create a kimchi as popular as Dujonku. He expressed his ambition, saying, "Our kimchi should have people lining up to buy it," while DinDin hoped their kimchi would become the 'second Dujonku.' Choo Sung-hoon suggested selling small packages for single households to offer a variety of flavors, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. The future of the 'Chagane' kimchi project and its potential to become the 'Dujonku of the Kimchi World' remains highly anticipated.

Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr