'Youn's Kitchen' to 'Youn's Stay,' TV show producer talks about changes after pandemic

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

Entertainment & Arts

Wed, November 29, 2023 | 05:05

Shows & Dramas

'Youn's Kitchen' to 'Youn's Stay,' TV show producer talks about changes after pandemic

Posted : 2021-01-06 18:36

Updated : 2021-01-06 18:36

TvN's reality show "Youn's Stay" will go on air Friday. Courtesy of tvN

By Lee Gyu-lee

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought so many changes, especially in the TV industry which typically involves a large production crew and often includes overseas trips. TvN's reality show "Youn's Kitchen" was no exception.

The show, named after its main cast member, veteran actress Youn Yuh-jung, has gained huge popularity since it first aired in 2017 with its interesting format, showing her team running a Korean-style restaurant in other countries. After two successful seasons, the network was set for its third season last year.

But after the outbreak started in China quickly turned into a global health crisis, the show underwent a major change from its original format ― which required traveling aboard ― and is now set to hit the air Friday with a new title ― "Youn's Stay."

"The biggest change is that it is not a restaurant, it is a hotel, which expands the cast members' responsibilities," the series producer Kim Sae-hee said through tvN Wednesday. "When they were just taking care of meals for Youn's Kitchen before, they are now managing check-ins, room cleaning, and two meals for each guest, which kept them on their feet."

Under the new format, the cast members ― Youn, actors Lee Seo-jin, Jung Yu-mi, Choi Woo-shik and Park Seo-joon ― run a traditional hanok guest house in South Jeolla Province for expats who have been in Korea for less than a year.

Scenes from "Youn's Stay" / Courtesy of tvN

The producer said that the show's purpose was to introduce the guests to the "beauty of Korea," which they could have experienced more freely if it weren't for the pandemic.

"When we were planning for the new season of Youn's Kitchen, the situation with COVID-19 worsened," Kim said. "While we were searching for other ways, we've learned about foreigners who had to come to Korea for educational or business matters but could not fully enjoy the culture due to the pandemic."

With actor Choi joining the four cast members from Season 2, the producer noted there were changes in their roles as well.

"Jung got promoted to chef and Park to sous-chef. They mastered difficult dishes including traditional Korean royal cuisine," he said. "The menu was also upgraded from simple dishes to a full course meal, from appetizer to dessert, the kitchen was extra busy."

Kim expressed the hope for the show to provide a sense of comfort to viewers going through a tough time.

"For those who are having a tough time as their lives have been disrupted (due to the pandemic), I hope they can laugh and enjoy a sense of peace through the beauty of nature, hanoks and people's stories," he said. "As the title says, I wish Youn's Stay will continue to be a warm, healing show for them."

gyulee@koreatimes.co.kr