The episode of JTBC’s popular cooking show 'Please Take Care of My Refrigerator,' featuring President Lee Jae Myung and the First Lady, achieved the program’s highest-ever viewership, recording an 8.9% nationwide rating according to Nielsen Korea. The previous record was set in August 2015, when G-Dragon and Taeyang appeared, drawing a 7.4% rating.
Aired on October 6 as part of a Chuseok special, the episode focused not on the presidential couple’s refrigerator but on seasonal Korean ingredients such as Hanwoo beef, dried radish greens (siraegi), deodeok, radish, and figs. During the broadcast, President Lee emphasized the cultural significance of food, stating, “While K-pop and dramas are important, the essence of culture lies in food. Once a dish makes an impression on the palate, it endures and spreads. Food plays a crucial role in promoting Korean culture globally and serves as a strong driver for Korea’s industry.”
The President also set the cooking themes for the chefs: “K-Food I want to introduce to the world” and “K-ingredient I want to promote worldwide: siraegi.”
In the culinary competitions, Chef Jung Ji Sun and writer Kim Pung faced off with siraegi-based dishes. Jung presented Siraegi Tteok-sang, a radish-green rice cake, while Kim Pung’s creative Lee Jae Myung Pizza ultimately claimed victory. Earlier, chefs Choi Hyun Seok and Son Jong Won competed with dishes designed for global appeal. Choi’s crispy-skinned Hybrid Chicken Samgyetang was pitted against Son’s traditional snack set, Ajaajjat, comprising four types of classic Korean treats. In this round, Son’s traditional dishes won.
The episode not only highlighted Korea’s culinary heritage but also reinforced the growing global interest in K-Food, demonstrating President Lee’s commitment to promoting Korean culture through its cuisine.
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