MBC's 'National Champion' Kicks Off Chicken Showdown: Seoul, Gwangju, and Daegu Battle for the Best

MBC's 'National Champion' is back with its third showdown, this time featuring Korea's soul food: chicken. Representatives from Gwangju, Seoul, and Daegu are set to compete fiercely for the top spot.

The show's hosts have made bold promises regarding the outcome. Moon Se-yoon and Park Ha-sun declared, "If we don't win, we won't appear on the Chuseok special," while Kim Dae-ho countered with, "I'll keep appearing until we win," setting the stage for a heated rivalry.

Joining the culinary panel are Professor Moon Jung-hoon, Chef Lee Won-il, mukbang icon Tzuyang, announcer Ko Kang-yong, comedian Kwak Beom, and fromis_9's Hayoung and Jiwon, who will enhance the appeal of each region's chicken.

Tzuyang and Ko Kang-yong head to Gwangju, where Tzuyang devours five chickens in no time, showcasing her mukbang prowess. Ko Kang-yong attempts to keep up but quickly reaches his limit, providing comic relief.

During the studio recording, Tzuyang was treated to a special service with one chicken from each region and side dishes, allowing her to continue her mukbang throughout the session. She even requested refills, proving her reputation as a big eater.

In Seoul, Kwak Beom, transformed into 'Hip Beom,' showcased his skills. He confidently bit into a juicy chicken leg, shedding tears from the hot juices but continuing his eating spree, enticing viewers' appetites. After the VCR, the studio buzzed with excitement as Park Ha-sun humorously demanded an apology from Kwak Beom, turning the set into a laughter-filled scene.

In Daegu, Hayoung and Jiwon highlighted the city's chicken charm. Jiwon shared a story from her trainee days about secretly ordering chicken through a window, while Hayoung burst into laughter, calling it "romantic." After their mukbang, they transformed into part-time workers, interacting with customers. Following the VCR, Moon Se-yoon and the duo performed 'White Longing' to support Daegu, winning over the judges. This episode also featured riders delivering chicken directly to the studio, adding a live-ordering feel.

The tension among the three hosts was palpable, with Park Ha-sun even shedding tears during the recording, surprising everyone present. The reason behind her tears will be revealed in the broadcast.

MBC's 'National Champion' chicken episode airs at 9 PM.

Reporter Kim Ji-won, TenAsia one@tenasia.co.kr