Ryu Soo Young shines in new SBS variety show ‘Jungle Bob’ bringing a fresh take on K-cuisine to remote jungles.

Ryu Soo Young, known as ‘Chef Ryu,’ is showcasing his dedication to K-cuisine in the new SBS variety show 'Jungle Bob', offering a distinctly different entertainment experience from Kim Byung Man's long-running show 'Law of the Jungle'.

'Jungle Bob' is a food culture exchange program where Ryu Soo Young, known as the ‘K-Homestyle Master,’ along with Lee Seung Yoon, Seo In Guk, and Uee, cooks Korean dishes using local ingredients found in remote jungles. After gaining the nickname ‘Chef Ryu’ through the KBS2 variety show 'Fun-Staurant', Ryu Soo Young’s ability to recreate familiar Korean dishes with unfamiliar ingredients in these remote locations is a key highlight of the show.

Given the long-standing popularity of 'Law of the Jungle', where Kim Byung Man and various celebrities survived in remote jungles, there was much anticipation about how 'Jungle Food' would differentiate itself. Controversy arose when Kim Byung Man claimed that 'Jungle Bob' was based on his own idea, adding to the intrigue before the show’s premiere.

However, since its debut, 'Jungle Bob' has received praise for its focus on "cooking Korean food with local ingredients," presenting a jungle experience vastly different from that of 'Law of the Jungle'. As the production team explained, the core of the show is the interactions between the cast and the local people they meet in the jungle, as well as the reactions of the locals when they try Korean food.

In the first episode, Ryu Soo Young’s genuine passion for Korean food was evident. Despite being exhausted after a 22-hour journey to Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, he immediately showed interest in local cuisine and ingredients available in the area.

In the second episode, Ryu Soo Young interacted with many local women in the jungle kitchen, preparing dishes using local ingredients like cassava while incorporating coconut. He humorously commented, "I feel like a superstar in the kitchen," creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. He also showed his characteristic kindness by making customized meals for children, displaying his warm and caring personality.

Cultural critic Ha Jae Geun commented, “Ryu Soo Young, who gained public popularity through 'Fun-Staurant' for his charming personality, is seeing his appeal skyrocket in Jungle Bob. His cooking skills and caring nature are fully displayed in the jungle, further enhancing his charm. As his appeal becomes more widely known through Jungle Bob, he’s likely to attract even more attention.”

'Law of the Jungle', which began airing in 2011, became SBS’s flagship wilderness series with numerous seasons. There is already speculation about whether Ryu Soo Young’s 'Jungle Bob' will also be made into a seasonal series.

An SBS representative stated, “It’s still too early to say whether 'Jungle Bob' will continue as a seasonal series, but the possibility is always open. We hope viewers will continue to show interest and love for the show.”

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