MBN's 'K-Bread' Announces Finalists: Hwang Ji-oh and Six Others Advance to Grand Finale

Former announcer and broadcaster Lee Hye-seong has been eliminated, while Hwang Ji-oh and six others have advanced to the TOP7 for the final showdown.

The 8th episode of MBN's 'K-Bread,' aired on the 22nd, marked the beginning of the grand finale to crown the ultimate K-baker. Contestants showcased their skills with larger-scale and more innovative ideas, engaging in a tense baking showdown.

The episode opened with the 'semi-final' featuring performances by Joo Young-seok, Sung Min-soo, Jang Kyung-joo, Lee Kyung-moo, and Yoon Hwa-young, which were not revealed in the previous episode. Joo Young-seok, who practiced extensively, created 'Gumi Seire Langue de Chat 3 Types' using Gumi's specialties, 'milgari,' and jellies made from grapes and melons. Sung Min-soo, who topped the 'loser's revival round,' crafted 'Geoje Yuzu Crepe Noodles 2 Types,' showcasing his creativity by presenting crepes as pasta-like desserts.

Jang Kyung-joo, tasked with 'Mungyeong Apple,' presented 'Mungyeong Taste Map' (3 types of desserts) using Mungyeong's specialties like apples, pork, and omija. Lee Kyung-moo, assigned 'Jeongseon Apple,' boldly attempted the 'choux,' which had been a challenge for contestants, creating 'Hong Choux' and 'Black Gold Choux,' along with Auraji cookies using gondre powder. Yoon Hwa-young, focusing on Namwon's 'Baekhyang,' crafted 'Passionable,' a set of five financiers, but faced challenges with timing, affecting the final touches.

Mixed Reviews and Results of the Semi-Final

After all performances, the 'semi-final' results were announced. The judging, worth 600 points, was conducted in a 'real-time ranking push-out' manner, where falling below 7th place meant elimination.

First, Yoon Hwa-young received 424 points with feedback on the texture and recipe changes. Jang Kyung-joo scored 413 points, with comments on his technical skills but mixed execution. Lee Kyung-moo received high praise from Master Kwon Sung-joon, scoring 519 points and taking the lead. Kim Jin-seo, with 'Imsil Burrata Bread,' earned 479 points and second place.

Lee Hye-seong, with 'Gamdal Bread,' was critiqued for soggy kadaif noodles and roll cake execution, receiving 401 points. Master Kwon Sung-joon acknowledged her potential despite concerns about her impact on the program's credibility. Lee Hye-seong expressed her own doubts, shedding tears.

Sung Min-soo, praised for his innovative approach, scored 443 points, securing third place. Hwang Ji-oh, with 'Icheon Meeting (Taste) 2 Types,' received the highest score of 568 points, praised for his growth and creativity. In contrast, Kwak Dong-wook, with 'Hwangtae Kunafa,' received the lowest score of 394 points, becoming the first to be eliminated.

Kim Si-yeop, with 'Goyang Gawaji Rice Dog,' scored 454 points, moving to fourth place, leading to Lee Hye-seong's immediate elimination. Joo Young-seok, with 415 points, narrowly secured 7th place, resulting in Jang Kyung-joo's elimination. Thus, Hwang Ji-oh, Lee Kyung-moo, Kim Jin-seo, Kim Si-yeop, Sung Min-soo, Yoon Hwa-young, and Joo Young-seok advanced to the TOP7 for the final.

TOP7 Meets Korea's Top Chefs: The Final Mission

With the formidable TOP7 gathered, the grand finale was announced. The ultimate winner will be determined by the combined scores of the first and second rounds of the final. The 'first round' involves a 'One Meal Bread' mission with Korea's top chefs Hwang Jin-sun, Ahn Yoo-sung, Kim Yoo-ah, Lee Seung-joon, Lee Won-il, Oh Se-deuk, and Jo Seo-hyung.

In the 'One Meal Bread' mission, featuring special master Park Jung-eun, CEO of New York's acclaimed Korean restaurant 'Atomix,' teams were formed: Hwang Ji-oh with Hwang Jin-sun, Lee Kyung-moo with Ahn Yoo-sung, Kim Jin-seo with Kim Yoo-ah, Kim Si-yeop with Lee Seung-joon, Sung Min-soo with Lee Won-il, Yoon Hwa-young with Oh Se-deuk, and Joo Young-seok with Jo Seo-hyung. Master Lee Seok-won emphasized the importance of showcasing the bread.

Sung Min-soo and Lee Won-il requested a role swap due to the nature of their bread, drawing attention. Lee Kyung-moo, collaborating with sushi chef Ahn Yoo-sung, created bread resembling sushi rice, sparking curiosity. Yoon Hwa-young, determined to make a mark, used luxurious ingredients like truffle and lobster, but a preview hinted at challenges ahead. Will Yoon Hwa-young successfully complete the 'first round'?

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