tvN's 'Chagane' Ends with Open-Ended Finale and Record Low Ratings

tvN's 'Chagane' concluded with an open-ended finale, hinting at a new business venture. The show recorded its lowest ratings at 1.4%, maintaining a streak of 1% ratings for four consecutive weeks.

The ninth episode, aired on the 5th, depicted the final journey of the Chagane team as they traveled to Busan to develop a new kimchi business.

On the last night of their Busan trip, tensions rose among the team members during a game of yutnori, a traditional Korean board game. Divided into teams of Cha Seung-won & Danny Koo, Choo Sung-hoon & Tommy, and DinDin, the game sparked conflicts due to differing 'local rules.' Amid endless rule debates, DinDin, who came in last, expressed his dissatisfaction, calling it a 'civil lawsuit case,' and even staged a 'walkout.' Cha Seung-won later appeased the disgruntled DinDin with some pocket money, bringing humor to the situation.

The second round of games involved a marble flicking contest, with the loser receiving a low kick from Choo Sung-hoon as punishment. Danny Koo, the first to lose, exaggeratedly reacted to the kick, and DinDin also received a kick from Tommy, causing laughter. A one-on-one showdown between Cha Seung-won and DinDin, known as 'soul rivals,' ended with Cha Seung-won also receiving a low kick.

The highlight of the Busan trip was a blind kimchi tasting event, a crucial step towards their new business venture. The competition featured four types of kimchi: Cha Seung-won's refreshing kimchi, Choo Sung-hoon's spicy kimchi, DinDin's unique 'Vancouver Maple Kimchi,' and an apple radish kimchi by Tommy and Danny Koo. Held at a steakhouse in Busan, guests were served the kimchis labeled A, B, C, and D, and voted for their favorite.

Watching the guests' reactions in real-time, the team was anxious as preferences varied unexpectedly. Initially, Choo Sung-hoon's spicy kimchi led the votes, but DinDin's sweet 'Vancouver Maple Kimchi' gained popularity, leading to a reversal. Tommy and Danny Koo's apple radish kimchi also received unexpected praise. Midway, Choo Sung-hoon's kimchi was in the lead, while Cha Seung-won was in last place, much to his shock. Amid DinDin's teasing, Choo Sung-hoon joked about renaming the team 'Chugane,' eliciting laughter.

The twist didn't end there. As the team left Busan for Seoul, a surge of votes from younger guests turned the tide. Ultimately, Cha Seung-won emerged as the winner, securing 15 out of 39 votes. He remarked, 'Truth cannot be ignored,' smiling with regained pride. His kimchi was praised as 'the taste of heaven.'

In the closing moments, the four types of Chagane kimchi and the voting results were shared with a partner company, hinting at future business potential. The key item was Cha Seung-won's kimchi, secretly enhanced with extra seasoning by DinDin and Danny Koo. Additionally, Choo Sung-hoon's spicy 'Chubasco' sauce was introduced. The show ended with an open-ended question of whether 'Chagane' could turn their dream into reality.

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