Choo Sung-hoon and Edward Lee Team Up for Channel A's 'Chef and Hunter' Variety Series

Choo Sung-hoon & Edward Lee Join Forces for 'Chef and Hunter' Variety Show

Seoul, Newsis – MMA legend Choo Sung-hoon and world-renowned chef Edward Lee are teaming up for Channel A’s exciting new variety series, *Chef and Hunter*, promising a unique blend of wild foraging and gourmet cooking. At the show’s press conference on the 8th, cast members and production staff spilled the beans on what viewers can expect from this one-of-a-kind program, sharing heartfelt behind-the-scenes stories and hilarious anecdotes from filming.

Choo Sung-hoon’s Thoughts on Collaborating with Edward Lee

Choo Sung-hoon kicked things off by gushing about the show, saying, "We went through so much hard work, but it feels like it all paid off with a super fun final product." He opened up about his instant connection with Edward Lee, explaining that both have spent time working abroad before building successful careers in Korea, which helped them click right away. "I’ve always wanted to learn how to cook, but Edward’s dishes blew me away—they’re so good, I was totally shocked," he added. The pair even met up in New York before filming to bond and discuss their vision for the show, laying the groundwork for their great on-screen chemistry.

During filming, Choo couldn’t get enough of Edward’s cooking, admitting he wanted seconds of every dish he tried. "I told him I wanted bibimbap, but he flat-out said ‘no way’,” Choo laughed, recalling how Edward explained the precise timing required for the vegetables and ingredients made it impossible to replicate the perfect bibimbap on demand. That refusal only made Choo more eager to try the dish, he joked. Looking back on the experience, Choo said the most memorable part wasn’t the hunting itself, but the sense of teamwork the cast developed, especially since hunting comes with inherent risks and uncertainty. "We became a real team, and that’s what I’ll remember most," he shared.

Im Woo-il Shares Cast Chemistry Insights

Comedian Im Woo-il also weighed in, talking about his initial worries about cultural differences between the cast members. "I wondered if we’d be able to gel, since Edward and Choo have such unique backgrounds," he said. But by the third day of filming, he noticed something special: the cast started working together seamlessly, each taking on their natural roles without anyone having to give orders. "That moment when we all clicked was amazing," he recalled. He also praised fellow cast member Kyung Soo-jin, noting that she adapted to the wild filming environment incredibly quickly, fitting right in with the rest of the team.

*From left: Edward Lee, Kyung Soo-jin, Choo Sung-hoon, PD Koo Jang-hyun, Im Woo-il, Kim Dae-ho*

PD Koo Jang-hyun Unveils Show’s Unique Concept & Production Details

PD Koo Jang-hyun took the stage next, highlighting the show’s meticulous production process. "We spent a full year planning, two weeks filming, and over three months editing this show," he said, adding that the team is incredibly proud of the polished final product. Unlike other survival variety shows that focus on overall wilderness survival, *Chef and Hunter* keeps it simple: the cast hunts for wild ingredients, then Edward Lee transforms them into elegant, restaurant-worthy dishes. "The way Edward turns foraged ingredients into fine dining is the show’s biggest selling point—viewers will be shocked by how delicious and sophisticated wild food can be," PD Koo explained.

He also emphasized the team’s commitment to safety and cultural respect, noting that they worked closely with local governments and experts to ensure all hunting activities were legal and ethical. "We focused on learning from local indigenous communities, too," he said, explaining that the cast would cook and eat alongside these communities, gaining insights into traditional foraging and cooking practices. This focus on cultural exchange adds an extra layer of depth to the show, making it both entertaining and educational.

Show Premiere Details

After sharing all these exciting insights, the team announced that *Chef and Hunter* will premiere at 10 PM on the same day as the press conference, promising viewers a thrilling, mouthwatering adventure they won’t want to miss.