Baek Jong-won Reveals "Sense of Duty" on 'Chef of Antarctica': "Want to Help Climate Change Research"

Baek Jong-won shared the special reason behind his decision to travel to Antarctica on the new MBC variety show, 'Chef of Antarctica.'

The first episode aired on the 17th, opening with scenes from the 2024 King Sejong Station in Antarctica.

When asked about his motivation for going to Antarctica, Baek Jong-won honestly confessed, "This summer, surprisingly, the starting point of climate change is Antarctica. I felt a sense of duty, thinking about what I could do for the crew members who are enduring hardships to research it."

Upon hearing from the production team that they would be visiting state-sanctioned locations, he initially replied, "Then I must be more serious. It's not burdensome," but then added with a laugh, "Actually, it was burdensome."

The harsh reality of Antarctic provisions was highlighted during a meal scene after training. Baek Jong-won remarked, "Ingredients are scarce, and almost everything is frozen, so fresh vegetables are rare." This statement surprised everyone, as the reality at the Antarctic base was indeed filled with mostly frozen products.

Amidst his efforts to provide a warm meal, Baek Jong-won faced a dilemma upon learning that he couldn't bring any seasonings. When the crew members expressed their confidence, saying, "Chef Baek Jong-won, you can probably make all the seasonings yourself," he frankly admitted, "How can I make seasonings like Dasida? I can't even make them all myself," revealing the challenges ahead.

'Chef of Antarctica' is a program that follows the process of Baek Jong-won preparing a heartwarming meal for the overwintering crew members isolated in the harsh Antarctic environment, driven by a sense of mission.

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Netizens commented, "It's amazing Chef Baek Jong-won went all the way to Antarctica," "It's not just a cooking show, it also conveys a climate change message," and "I'm curious to see what he can cook without seasonings."