‘www.youtube.com/embed/OuGZB0CodmQ’

Welcome back to another episode of Lee Kyung-kyu’s popular food series, “Meoktelnde”! In this installment, the veteran host is joined by a special guest, Jung Yong-hwa of the popular K-pop band CNBLUE. The location for this delightful meal is Yangnam-dong, specifically the Yanggari area, which the host notes has transformed significantly from its traditional market roots.

Exploring Yangnam-dong and the Chosen Restaurant

The episode takes place in Yangnam-dong’s Yanggari, an area Lee Kyung-kyu remembers as once being a cluster of traditional market restaurants that has since undergone development. While the specific name of the restaurant isn’t mentioned, it’s clearly a place specializing in grilled meat, a staple of Korean cuisine. The text highlights the quality of the meat and the skill with which it’s grilled, noting how delicious it is even when cooked to different levels.

Beyond the main course of grilled meat (which seems to be pork), the meal includes other Korean favorites. They enjoy yukhoe (Korean beef tartare) and pajori (a spicy, seasoned green onion salad), both receiving high praise from the diners. A particularly unique item mentioned is a kkakdugi (cubed radish kimchi) that is specifically highlighted as a must-try accompaniment to the grilled meat. The host enthusiastically approves of the food’s quality and taste, declaring it one of the best places in the neighborhood. No general rating or specific restaurant name was provided in the source text.

Jung Yong-hwa: Album, Career, and Life Reflections

The main reason for Jung Yong-hwa’s appearance is to promote his upcoming solo album. He shares that his new album, titled “Night Runner” with the subtitle “Shooting Star,” is set to be released in July. The album features a total of seven tracks, six of which he personally wrote. Yong-hwa explains the unique concept behind the title track – it’s written from the perspective of a shooting star, reflecting on dreams and fleeting moments, and the idea that connections aren’t truly broken even when people part ways.

Interestingly, Yong-hwa reveals that the theme of the album was partly influenced by a recent experience: undergoing knee surgery (torn cartilage) that temporarily halted his performances. This downtime led him to contemplate the nature of celebrity life, which involves shining brightly but can also involve unexpected breaks or even disappearance, and the enduring support of fans carrying those dreams forward.

Balancing CNBLUE and Solo Activities

Their conversation delves into Yong-hwa’s long and successful career, starting with his relatively quick debut, notably through a drama casting before his music debut. He shares a long history with the Yangnam-dong area, having lived and trained there due to his company’s location. He discusses the balance between his group activities with CNBLUE and his solo pursuits, emphasizing that group activities are always prioritized, with solo work scheduled around the band’s plans. He also touches on navigating the identity of being both an “idol” and a “musician,” a balance he constantly strives for.

Lee Kyung-kyu shares his own perspective on career longevity, highlighting the importance of trying new things and consistency, mirroring Yong-hwa’s persistent dedication to music. They share lighthearted anecdotes about meeting other celebrities from various fields, showcasing the diverse connections within the entertainment world.

Casual Chats Over Delicious Food

A defining characteristic of the “Meoktelnde” series, and this episode is no exception, is the relaxed and genuine conversation that unfolds over a shared meal. The host’s comfortable, slightly unconventional style (like joking about eating before the guest arrived) sets a casual tone. Yong-hwa opens up about his music, career, and personal reflections in a way that feels more like a chat between friends than a formal interview.

The focus repeatedly returns to the food, underscoring its role as the catalyst for this engaging dialogue. The visual and verbal descriptions of the sizzling meat, the fresh yukhoe, the zesty pajori, and the unique kkakdugi reinforce the sensory experience of the meal.

Future Plans and Playful Banter

The episode wraps up with some playful banter about future collaborations, including joking about guesting on each other’s concerts and potentially integrating food elements into their respective shows. Yong-hwa talks briefly about CNBLUE’s recent world tour and upcoming fan meetings. The interaction between the seasoned host and the successful musician feels warm and authentic.

Overall, this “Meoktelnde” episode offers viewers a tasty look at a recommended grilled meat spot in Yangnam-dong, combined with an intimate conversation with Jung Yong-hwa about his new album and career journey. It’s a perfect blend of delicious food and insightful entertainment.