tvN’s “Three Meals a Day: Light” sees Cha Seung-won and Yoo Hae-jin left in shock after their tent collapses in a storm! Trouble strikes during preparations for their hero’s welcome feast, but Cha Seung-won beats the summer heat with refreshing seasonal radish kimchi. Ultimately, their strong teamwork shines through as they even share a single rolled omelet.
The quintessential healing variety show, “Three Meals a Day: Light,” delighted viewers with its refreshing and interesting vibes from the very first episode.
“Three Meals a Day: Light” premiered in Korea on September 20. Directed by Na Young-seok, Jang Eun-jung, Ha Moo-sung, Ha Heon-tak, and Byun Soo-min, the variety program aired its first episode in celebration of its 10th anniversary.
It featured Cha Seung-won and Yoo Hae-jin’s chaotic adjustment to rural life as they entered the first Three Meals house. From making kimchi to setting up a tent, the endless tasks and their frequent clashes of opinion were offset by their heartwarming friendship, like sharing a single rolled omelet, which offered viewers a cozy sense of healing.
In Korea, the first episode recorded ratings of 11.8% on average, peaking at 15% in the metropolitan area, and 11.4% on average, peaking at 14.2% nationwide, securing the top spot across all channels, including public broadcasters in the same time slot. This marked the triumphant return of the ultimate healing variety show (based on paid platforms combining cable, IPTV, and satellite, according to Nielsen Korea).
From the start, Cha Seung-won and Yoo Hae-jin’s decade-long teamwork in preparing meals brought plenty of laughter. With 10 years of experience in cooking meals, they smoothly gathered all the necessary items for the Three Meals house, showcasing their seasoned ability to naturally obtain what they needed, like kimchi and rice. PD Na Young-seok, enchanted by Cha and Yoo’s witty banter, found himself unconsciously agreeing to their requests, which had viewers in stitches.
Their chemistry while preparing meals also stood out. Chef Cha Seung-won took charge, while assistant chef Yoo Hae-jin’s quick hands helped create a mouth-watering meal in no time. Although there was a brief moment of tension when Yoo silently tossed kimchi into the stew without consulting Cha, the two quickly made up over a glass of makgeolli, warming the hearts of viewers.
The dishes the two created stimulated endless cravings. The refreshing summer radish kimchi and the vibrant kkakdugi (cubed radish kimchi) were so delicious that they made Cha Seung-won beam with joy. The spicy kimchi gochujang stew, enhanced by Yoo Hae-jin’s addition of kimchi, and Cha Seung-won’s ambitious rolled omelet, crafted with large portions, made for a hearty, comforting meal.
A surprising incident occurred when the tent they had excitedly set up was blown over by wind and rain, leaving everyone shocked. The two, who had been so proud of their tent that they even named it, were briefly devastated but quickly set about repairing it in time to welcome their guest, creating an even sturdier structure that left everyone impressed.
While the two were busy preparing for their guest, the first visitor to the Three Meals house, Lim Young-woong, arrived, arms full of gifts, raising the excitement even more. With the three finally meeting and preparing to build friendships, viewers are left curious about the memories they will create together.
As such, “Three Meals a Day: Light” has captivated viewers right from the first episode, offering both entertainment and a therapeutic ambiance, just as a 10th-anniversary special edition should. The seamless banter between Cha Seung-won and Yoo Hae-jin provided plenty of laughs, while their bickering yet caring relationship warmed the hearts of viewers.
Moreover, the picturesque summer scenery of the lush green countryside offered a cool, refreshing sense of healing. Looking ahead, viewers can expect to be treated to even more beautiful summer landscapes of Korea’s rural, mountainous, and coastal regions as “Three Meals a Day: Light” continues.
The ultimate healing variety show, “Three Meals a Day: Light,” will premiere on tvN Asia tonight, September 26, in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Hong Kong at 10:30 p.m. (Manila time) and 9:30 p.m. (Jakarta time).