Chef Ok Dong-sik to Spice Up 'Kang Ho-dong's Bookstore' with His Culinary Charm
Chef Ok Dong-sik to Spice Up 'Kang Ho-dong's Bookstore' with His Culinary Charm
Chef Ok Dong-sik to Spice Up 'Kang Ho-dong's Bookstore' with His Culinary Charm
Chef Ok Dong-sik to Spice Up 'Kang Ho-dong's Bookstore' with His Culinary Charm
Chef Ok Dong-sik to Spice Up 'Kang Ho-dong's Bookstore' with His Culinary Charm
Chef Ok Dong-sik to Spice Up 'Kang Ho-dong's Bookstore' with His Culinary Charm
Chef Ok Dong-sik to Spice Up 'Kang Ho-dong's Bookstore' with His Culinary Charm
Chef Ok Dong-sik to Spice Up 'Kang Ho-dong's Bookstore' with His Culinary Charm
Coupang Play's variety show 'Kang Ho-dong's Bookstore' has released a teaser for its fourth episode, featuring Chef Ok Dong-sik, the mastermind behind the globally acclaimed 'Pork Bone Soup.' With the show struggling in both buzz and ratings, all eyes are on Chef Ok's upcoming appearance.

'Kang Ho-dong's Bookstore' is a talk show where the loud yet tender-hearted INFP bookstore owner 'Hocrates' (Kang Ho-dong) shares genuine conversations with guests who visit his store.

In the teaser, Chef Ok captivates the bookstore's atmosphere with his 'delicious talk,' befitting a chef who has won over gourmets worldwide. As soon as he appears, 'Hocrates' can't hide his excitement, exclaiming 'Pork Bone Soup!'—setting the stage for their delightful chemistry.

Chef Ok, who has also appeared on the cooking survival show 'Black and White Chef 2,' will share the backstory of his signature dish 'Pork Bone Soup,' which has been featured in the Michelin Guide's Bib Gourmand for eight consecutive years and has taken New York by storm. He will also discuss the secret to his popularity, with 1,000 teams waiting on the opening day, and his journey to success despite initial opposition. 'Hocrates' is intrigued by Chef Ok's special recipe, leading to the memorable quote, 'God made water, and Ok Dong-sik made broth.'

Known for his serious artisan image, Chef Ok surprises with his witty and flavorful conversation. He responds to 'Hocrates' surprise questions with ease, saying, 'Five years at most?'—eliciting unexpected laughter. He teases diverse stories from his experiences, ranging from an airline meal intern to a chef at a Korean embassy abroad. His 'life book' promises to deliver life philosophies as rich and deep as his 'Pork Bone Soup' broth.

'Kang Ho-dong's Bookstore' airs every Friday at 4 PM exclusively on Coupang Play. Both Coupang Wow members and regular members can watch for free.

Despite being Kang Ho-dong's first solo variety show in 13 years, 'Kang Ho-dong's Bookstore' has yet to gain significant traction. It did not make it to the FunDex buzz rankings for programs or cast members in the fourth week of March.

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