Choi Soo-jong Takes Over ‘Korean Food Table’ 🍚: A Heartfelt Transition and New Beginnings

Choi Soo-jong steps into Choi Bool-am’s shoes, promising to be a ‘good neighbor’ on KBS1’s ‘Korean Food Table’

Taking over from veteran actor Choi Bool-am on ‘Korean Food Table,’ Choi Soo-jong shared his initial hesitations and eventual acceptance of the role. “When I first got the offer, I couldn’t easily say yes,” he explained. “‘Korean Food Table’ is synonymous with Choi Bool-am. His expressions and presence are ingrained in the nation’s memory. I was concerned about how I could bring my own interpretation without simply mimicking a drama.”

Choi Soo-jong revealed that he had extensive discussions with his wife, Ha Hee-ra, and even had an hour-long conversation with Choi Bool-am himself before making his decision. A significant turning point came with advice from actress Go Doo-shim, who narrates the program. “Go Doo-shim called me and spoke about Choi Bool-am’s sense of duty and responsibility,” he recounted. “She said that while she understood my apprehension, the key was to empathize with people’s lives and share their joys, sorrows, and pains. This would be the best way to express the essence of ‘Korean Food Table.’ Her words gave me great strength.”

He added, “I often tell younger actors that children learn by observing their parents. I will follow in Choi Bool-am’s footsteps, cautiously trying to emulate his dedication. I know I can’t be perfect from the start, but I will strive to make ‘Korean Food Table’ my own, just like seasoning a dish.”

Producer Im Ki-soon praised Choi Bool-am’s long-standing commitment: “For the past 14 years, he has traveled across the country every week with unwavering dedication. He had immense affection and passion for the program, as well as a deep sense of duty. Earlier this year, he expressed his desire to pass the baton to a reliable successor.”

Im Ki-soon shared that Choi Bool-am wholeheartedly supports Choi Soo-jong. “Upon hearing that Choi Soo-jong would be taking over, he said, ‘I hope he continues the deep and rich flavors of the show. I hope he makes it a great program for a long time.’ He offered words of encouragement, believing that Choi Soo-jong will do an excellent job.”

Choi Soo-jong

Choi Bool-am (left) and Choi Soo-jong

Choi Soo-jong has already filmed four episodes and expressed his deep respect for Choi Bool-am. “I truly admire him. I don’t know how he did it. The average travel distance is over 900km (approximately 560 miles). I wondered how he managed to film like that. They seem to be giving me even more work because I am supposedly more active than Choi Bool-am,” he joked.

He also shared touching moments from filming. “An elderly person in their nineties told me they were happy to see me before they died. An elementary school student, around fourth or fifth grade, who was interested in history, asked me to sign an autograph with the name of General Gang Gam-chan.” These heartwarming encounters brought him to tears.

Choi Soo-jong concluded, “While Choi Bool-am approached the show with the perspective of a father and an observer, I want to connect with viewers as a father, son, uncle, brother, and friend. My dream is to maintain my health and continue this program for over 14 or 15 years, just like ‘Korean Food Table’ has done.”🍽

‘Korean Food Table’ is a food documentary program that explores the hidden stories, history, and culture behind regional dishes. It serves as a “memory bank of flavors,” recording the culture, history, and community stories embedded in each meal, evoking memories and nostalgia.

After 14 years and 3 months of traversing the country, Choi Bool-am’s departure marks not just a change in MCs but a generational passing of the torch. The production team expressed their gratitude: “Choi Bool-am has traveled across the country every week, sharing the lives and culture of Koreans through our food. His dedication and passion will forever be etched in our hearts.” They added, “We ask for your anticipation and support for the journey ahead with our new guide, Choi Soo-jong.”😊

‘Korean Food Table’ airs every Thursday at 7:40 PM KST. Be sure to tune in and support the new host!