发布时间: 1/8/2026
Korean variety show fans are in for an adrenaline-fueled culinary adventure this month as Channel A’s brand-new series "Chef & Hunter" made its grand debut at an online press conference on January 8. Headlined by MMA legend Choo Sung-hoon and celebrity chef Edward Lee, the show promises to blend wild foraging, survival skills, and gourmet cooking in one thrilling package.
At the press event, Choo Sung-hoon joined comedian Im Woo-il, actress Kyung Soo-jin, and director Koo Jang-hyun to spill the beans on the upcoming series. Unfortunately, Edward Lee and former anchor Kim Dae-ho couldn’t attend due to conflicting schedules, but their presence was felt throughout the discussions about the unique survival culinary concept. Set to air its first episode on January 8, "Chef & Hunter" follows the cast as they venture into extreme natural environments, hunt wild ingredients themselves, and transform those finds into mouthwatering meals in a true test of survival and creativity.
What Makes 'Chef & Hunter' a Must-Watch?
Director Koo Jang-hyun opened up about the immense effort that went into bringing the show to life, revealing that the team spent over a year in pre-production, two weeks filming in remote locations, and more than three months editing to perfect every detail. "We revised each episode over 10 times to make sure it’s the best it can be," he shared, adding, "We’re so proud of the content we’ve created, and we hope viewers will love it as much as we do."
Safety was a top priority for the production team, especially given the wild hunting and cooking concept. Koo explained, "We worked closely with local experts to verify every safety protocol, and we focused on learning from indigenous tribes who hunt and cook in these areas. We know some viewers might find the hunting scenes unfamiliar, so we wanted to show the natural food process in a way that feels approachable—so you can watch and appreciate the journey of your meal from nature to plate."
Standing Out From Other Survival Shows
When asked how "Chef & Hunter" differs from other survival-themed programs, Koo emphasized its narrow, focused concept. "There are many wild survival shows out there that cover building shelters, gathering food, and overall survival," he said. "But we’ve kept it simple: hunt, then cook. The real magic is watching Edward Lee turn those wild, foraged ingredients into fine dining dishes that don’t just fill your stomach—they wow your taste buds. That’s our unique selling point and the main reason viewers should tune in."
Koo also noted that the show isn’t just about hunting and cooking; it’s about highlighting the hard work that goes into every meal we eat. "We want viewers to see exactly how a simple dish on your table starts in the wild, the effort it takes to bring it to you, and appreciate that process," he explained.
Choo Sung-hoon, the show’s central star, emphasized the importance of team chemistry during filming. "Hunting in these remote areas is dangerous—you never know what might happen, and you could get hurt at any time," he recalled. "The most important thing for us was that we were all a team. We looked out for each other, helped each other through tough moments, and that’s what I remember most. Even with all the production team’s support, becoming one unit to hunt together was the highlight of the experience for me."
Cast Chemistry: Choo Sung-hoon & Edward Lee’s Unlikely Bond
Choo also opened up about his special connection with Edward Lee, saying, "We met in the jungle, and we quickly realized we have so much in common. We both grew up abroad and found our way to Korea, where people have shown us so much love. We talked a lot about our identities, and it was easy to connect."
He laughed as he shared a funny memory: "I tried to get Edward to make me that amazing bibimbap he cooked with wild ingredients again when we met in New York last week, but he said no—he told me that dish only exists in that exact moment, with those ingredients and that team energy. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime meal, and that’s part of what made it so special. We work so well together; I hunt, he cooks, and even though our roles are different, our mindsets are aligned. It was such a great experience."
Kyung Soo-jin also chimed in about the cast’s strong bond, saying, "I relied a lot on Kim Dae-ho and Im Woo-il. I didn’t want to be a burden, and having people to lean on made the experience so much fun. They were great teammates, and we all got along really well."
Viewing Highlights & Cast Teasers
Kyung Soo-jin teased her unexpected role in the show, saying she’s like the "spice" that adds extra flavor to the team. "I originally thought I’d be assisting Edward Lee in the kitchen, but I ended up becoming a hunter! I caught my first ever big fish—wait, actually, it was a huge shark!" she revealed. Choo and Im confirmed that the moment is one for the Korean variety show history books, building even more hype for the series.
Despite the physical challenges of filming in the wild, Kyung Soo-jin said she found the experience incredibly healing. "It was tiring physically, but I love nature and camping, so it didn’t feel like a chore," she shared. "People were worried about me at first, but mentally, it was so refreshing. This is definitely one of the most fun and fulfilling variety shows I’ve ever done."
The cast couldn’t stop raving about Edward Lee’s cooking skills. Im Woo-il said, "His fried rice was like nothing I’ve ever tasted before—it wasn’t just 'good' or 'bad,' it was a whole new flavor experience that blew my mind." Kyung Soo-jin added, "I caught a fish, and Edward made this mango sauce to go with the fried fish. I still think about it all the time—it was so delicious, my taste buds were in heaven."
Director Koo shared that viewers can look forward to immersive 360-degree camera footage that makes you feel like you’re right there in the jungle hunting and cooking. Kyung Soo-jin teased, "The full episodes are 10 times more spectacular and fun than what we’re showing you now—you won’t want to miss it!"
Im Woo-il also highlighted the team’s growth over time, saying, "We filmed for two weeks, and you can really see how our team dynamic changed from the first day to the last. We started as people who didn’t know each other’s roles, but as time went on, we found our groove, became closer, and turned into a tight-knit unit. Viewers will definitely feel that journey with us."
Choo Sung-hoon wrapped up by sharing his hope for the show: "We went through a lot of hard work, but we don’t want to just show viewers how tough it was. Instead, we want you to watch and feel envious—like you wish you could be there in the jungle, hunting, cooking, and eating that amazing food. That’s the feeling we want to give you, and we hope you love every minute of it."