Chae Jong-hyeop Joins Baek Jong-won in 'Chef of Antarctica'... First Reality Challenge

Actor Chae Jong-hyeop is taking on a new challenge in the reality program 'Chef of Antarctica' alongside Baek Jong-won, Lim Soo-hyang, and EXO's Suho.

'Chef of Antarctica', co-produced by LG Uplus's STUDIO X+U and MBC, is a program that captures the process of serving a warm meal to the wintering members who are isolated in the harsh Antarctic environment out of a sense of mission. The four members left for filming on October 16 and are set to air in April 2025.

First Broadcast 'Honorary Member' Enters Antarctica

The released main poster features the four looking at a collapsed ice wall from a boat, contrasting the climate crisis with the majesty of Antarctica. The four members of 'Chef of Antarctica' will enter Antarctica for the first time in broadcast history as 'Honorary Members'.

They are expected to visit from the Antarctic scientific base to the special protected area 'Penguin Village', which cannot be accessed without government permission. They will not only serve a meal for the polar residents but also assist with polar work, getting closer to the lives of the Antarctic members.

Extreme Situation with Depleted Ingredients

This challenge unfolds in an extreme environment. The Antarctic scientific base survives on ingredients supplied once a year, and by the time the four members joined, the situation was already extreme with most ingredients depleted. Chae Jong-hyeop showed enthusiasm for his first reality challenge by honing his 'secret skills' through watching Antarctic documentaries before departure.

MBC is returning to Antarctica after 13 years since the 'Tears of Antarctica' series to convey messages about climate change and the Antarctic ecosystem. Chae Jong-hyeop has been continuing his global activities, recently causing a 'Hyebsama' boom in the Japanese TBS drama 'Eye Love You'.