Mirage “One wrong word and I’m doomed”... Choi Tae-sung takes on variety shows

History Instructor Choi Tae-seong's Variety Show Challenge: "I Felt Like I Was Only Delivering Things Heavily"

History instructor Choi Tae-seong has decided to appear on a variety show. On the 14th, Choi Tae-seong, Yang Sang-guk, Shin Ki-ru, and Ji Ye-eun attended a press conference for TV Chosun's 'What Did the King Eat?' held at a studio in Guro-gu, Seoul, to share their thoughts on the program.

For Choi Tae-seong, who has focused on lectures and historical content until now, this variety show is an unusual choice. He revealed, "In the past, whenever I was scouted for a variety show, I used to decline because I felt unnatural." He added, "I wondered if I had only been delivering history heavily through my own stereotypes. I wanted to make a radical attempt to show something lighter and more fun with Yang Sang-guk, Shin Ki-ru, and Ji Ye-eun."

The program explores the food eaten by the 27 kings of the Joseon Dynasty and the historical background behind it in a talk-show variety format. From the royal family's special health foods to the forbidden delicacies that shook the era, it sheds light on the culture and life of that time through the king's dining table. Choi Tae-seong explained, "I intend to blend food, history, and stories by looking into what the kings actually ate and peering into their dining tables."

Shin Ki-ru's Tension and Yang Sang-guk's New Discovery

The cast members showed different reactions to the weight that the subject of history carries. Shin Ki-ru expressed her concerns with a hint of humor, saying, "Since history must not be distorted, I am very cautious about speaking. They might edit it, but if I say something wrong, I could fall into ruin immediately and news articles will come out."

Shin Ki-ru continued, "Actually, I am very ignorant and don't know much about history." She revealed her reason for appearing, saying that while she found it a bit boring during the first recording because she had to listen to stories she wasn't curious about, Instructor Choi Tae-seong is "the person who makes me most curious about history among those I've seen." Choi Tae-seong evaluated Yang Sang-guk among the cast, saying, "He knows a lot about history unexpectedly. It's a new discovery of Yang Sang-guk."

Yang Sang-guk, who is taking on a fixed variety show role for the first time in about 10 years, showed extraordinary determination. He said, "I don't know history well, but I've always been interested. During a recent recording, the studio was like a steamer; everyone said they were dying of heat, but I didn't say anything. I will do my best when the opportunity is given." Regarding the atmosphere among the cast, Yang Sang-guk said, "There is a love line with the chef, and it feels like we are fighting over history to see who is smarter."

From Rooster Testicles to Pizza: Curiosity Toward the King's Table

Specific reviews of the foods tasted during the recording process followed. Yang Sang-guk picked rooster testicles as the most memorable menu item, saying, "It wasn't as greasy as I thought. The chef cooked well, so I enjoyed it."

Ji Ye-eun burst into laughter, saying the meat dishes were the most delicious and "I think my palate matches King Sejong's." Shin Ki-ru added that the subtle dishes enjoyed by Sejong suited her taste well. Ji Ye-eun also mentioned that through this program, she could answer 'Running Man' style quizzes.

When asked what menu they would choose if they were to serve modern food to a king, Shin Ki-ru replied, "I would want to serve pizza or pasta, or foreign foods like French or sushi, which the king has never tried." Ji Ye-eun said, "They say there was no 'red flavor' back then. I want to serve truly spicy tteokbokki, stimulating tteokbokki." Choi Tae-seong explained, "At that time, stimulating foods were not allowed on the king's table due to taboos. There were rules that the king's table should consist of things that are bland or even seem tasteless," and mentioned hotpot, which allows one to experience modern flavors.

The Chemistry of the Cast After Dividing Roles

Choi Tae-seong defined the roles of each cast member. Yang Sang-guk is the lubricant of the program, Shin Ki-ru is the one who conveys professional taste sensations regarding the food, and Ji Ye-eun is the one who asks questions at the viewers' level.

Shin Ki-ru defined her position as "tasting the food and keeping my mouth shut as much as possible regarding historical stories." Yang Sang-guk emphasized the chemistry among the cast by mentioning the love line with chef Lee Yeon-ju.