Cha Seung-won and Choo Sung-hoon Team Up for New tvN Variety Show Exploring Asia's 'Spicy Flavors'

Veteran actor Cha Seung-won and mixed martial artist Choo Sung-hoon are set to embark on a culinary adventure across Asia, seeking out the region's signature 'spicy flavors' in a new tvN variety show.

The program, scheduled to air early next year, is already generating significant buzz, especially with Yang Jung-woo PD, known for his work on popular shows like 'Different Things You Didn't Know' (Al-sseul-sin-jap) and 'Different Things You Didn't Know: Criminal Edition' (Al-sseul-beom-jap), at the helm.

This marks Cha Seung-won's return to variety shows after approximately a year. He previously garnered immense popularity as 'Chef Cha' in the 'Three Meals a Day' series, showcasing his culinary prowess and heartwarming charm. His adaptability was further highlighted in 'Following My Dad to Maya,' where he delighted local Maya descendants with Korean dishes. This new venture will see him tackle large-scale cooking for multi-generational families with diverse palates, testing his renowned ability to succeed in any environment.

The addition of 'popular uncle' Choo Sung-hoon is also a major draw. A former judo national athlete turned fighter, Choo is known for his intense charisma. He has also endeared himself to the public through his marriage to Japanese model Yano Shiho and his fatherly moments with daughter Choo Sarang on 'Superman Is Back.' His appearance in Netflix's 'Physical: 100' further solidified his broad appeal, sparking the 'Don't Underestimate an Uncle' meme. He recently celebrated reaching 1 million subscribers on his YouTube channel, demonstrating his strong presence across both traditional media and online platforms.

Cha Seung-won is expected to bring his sophisticated cooking skills, while Choo Sung-hoon will contribute his energetic eating segments and competitive spirit, creating a dynamic synergy. The journey of tasting and recreating spicy Asian dishes with their unique recipes promises to be more than just a food show; it's envisioned as a cultural exchange and a heartwarming exploration of human connection.

The anticipated collaboration between the original 'Chef Cha' and the current 'popular uncle' is set to captivate audiences. Filming will commence at the end of this year, with the show premiering in early 2025.

Cha Seung-won, who debuted in the 2001 film 'White Valentine,' has consistently impressed audiences with his versatile acting and engaging variety show appearances. His sharp wit and exceptional cooking abilities have been key to his enduring popularity over the years. Cha Seung-won has carved out a unique niche for himself, seamlessly bridging the worlds of acting and entertainment.