Lee Kwang-ki grabs Choi Tae Sung by the collar and shouts before Yeonsangun's dining table
In TV Chosun's "King Eat," actor Lee Kwang-ki made a sudden appearance as Yeonsangun, grabbing Choi Tae Sung by the collar.
The dining table of Yeonsangun, recorded as the most brutal tyrant in Joseon history, has been summoned to the stage of a variety show. In the 4th episode of TV Chosun's 'What Did the King Eat?', the madness hidden behind Yeonsangun's flamboyant appearance and the extravagant meals he enjoyed will be revealed.
The protagonist of this episode, airing this Wednesday, the 29th at 10 PM, is Yeonsangun. Based on historical records, the cast members expressed their anticipation, speculating about what kind of person he was and what he might have eaten. 'Big Star Teacher' Choi Tae Sung explained Yeonsangun's appearance, noting, "His complexion was pale, he had little beard, was tall, and had a reddish tint in his eyes." Based on these records, he defined Yeonsangun as a "Joseon-style flower boy" and pointed out that he is also the model for the protagonist in the drama 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty.'
Cast Anticipates 'Flower Boy King,' but Faces 'Mental Breakdown' at Lee Kwang-ki's Roar
The anticipation regarding Yeonsangun's visuals led to specific predictions from the cast. Shin Gi-ru expressed curiosity about his appetite, saying, "I think it was said he loved meat. Since he was a tyrant, he probably ate voraciously without being picky." Yang Sang-guk also predicted the appearance of a legendary visual guest, stating, "A pale, tall, sharp-featured, and handsome man will appear." However, contrary to their expectations, the person who appeared was actor Lee Kwang-ki, known as a 'master of historical dramas.'
Upon his entrance, Lee Kwang-ki instantly froze the studio atmosphere with a roar of "You rascals!" He did not stop at merely shouting; he overwhelmed the set with unexpected behavior, such as grabbing Choi Tae Sung by the collar. At Lee Kwang-ki's unrestrained behavior, Yang Sang-guk burst into laughter, saying, "He has the least dignity among all the kings we've seen so far." Living up to his nickname 'the madman with clear eyes,' Lee Kwang-ki dominated the studio, driving it into a mix of terror and laughter.
From Desecrating the Bodies of King Seongjong's Concubines to Brutal Madness... Yeonsangun's Cruel Insanity
The reason Yeonsangun's dining table is more shocking than a mere culinary interest is that it is tied to his brutal actions. The broadcast introduces a gruesome anecdote where Yeonsangun desecrated the bodies of Lady Jeong and Lady Eom, who were concubines of his father, King Seongjong, turned them into salted seafood, and scattered them across the mountains and fields. This madness of Yeonsangun is fully reflected on his dining table as well.
The person occupying the seat next to Yeonsangun is Jang Nok-su, known as the most famous femme fatale in Joseon history. The relationship between Yeonsangun and Jang Nok-su was deep enough to shake the nation's discipline, and the luxury they enjoyed together reached an extreme. In particular, the existence of the 'Heungcheong,' who emerged during Yeonsangun's process of recruiting kisaengs, caused a massive upheaval in society at the time. Their luxury was so severe that people whispered, "The country is being ruined because of the Heungcheong." The term 'Heungcheong-mangcheong' (meaning reckless extravagance), used even today, originated from this process. Ji Ye-eun and Shin Gi-ru reacted with anger toward Yeonsangun and Jang Nok-su, saying, "They are a perfect match. Birds of a feather."
The Ultimate Peak of Luxury and Greed: The Reality of the 'Heungcheong-mangcheong' Table
The core of this broadcast is the 'Tyrant's Table' itself, which showcases the pinnacle of luxury shared by Yeonsangun and Jang Nok-su. The dining table created by the combination of Yeonsangun's power and Jang Nok-su's influence was more than just a meal; it was a result of squandering national finances and bleeding the people dry. The story continues on how the flow of luxury, which began with the recruitment of the 'Heungcheong,' led to specific foods and table settings.
The cast was shocked by the bizarre and extravagant menu that stood in stark contrast to Yeonsangun's flamboyant appearance. Through the broadcast, viewers can see how the merciless madness hidden behind his beautiful royal face manifests through the medium of a meal, and how the historical events that occurred in that process are intertwined. TV Chosun's 'What Did the King Eat?' meets viewers every Wednesday night at 10 PM.
