What’s cooking in Singapore? Korean celebrity chef Paik Jong Won teams up with SHINee’s Onew and I.O.I’s Chaeyeon for global cooking travelogue Go Go With Mr Paik – where the trio was in town to explore our diverse food culture while trying their hand at whipping up local delights. In an interview before flying back to kimchi land, the cast revealed the ingredients that best describe them, who has better culinary skills (aside from Chef, that is) and more K-foodie shenanigans!
#1 Chaeyeon can’t resist the food
Oh, Chaeyeon – she’s just like us! While it’s no surprise that the I.O.I member’s required to stick to strict (and sometimes not-very-healthy) diets as part of the celebrity package, there’s no denying the fact that she loves her food just like everybody else. But Chef Paik was quick to jump to her defence, reassuring fans that “[Chaeyeon] eats a lot” despite having to keep her weight in check. We’re glad to hear that she’s eating well now!
#2 Sugar, beef, and everything kimchi
When asked to describe themselves as an ingredient that represents them best, Chef Paik didn’t hesitate to express his undying love for beef, while Chaeyeon went with sugar as she wants to be “someone whom everyone likes”. We half-expected Onew to stay loyal to his title of the chicken maniac, but in a twist of events, the SHINee leader opted for kimchi instead – explaining that he wishes to achieve a similar “impact” to that of the kimchi’s spiciness. What can we say, dude knows he’s hot!
#3 Onew sunbae to the rescue
The inner shipper radar in us ticked at how Onew would discreetly take care of Chaeyeon throughout the interview, who’s merely a year into her debut. Like the experienced sunbae he is, Onew helps her out with subtle prompts when she was stumped at the question whether they will stay as idols forever – in which she carefully answered that she’s working hard as she’s still new to the industry. Can you believe Onew and Chaeyeon have an eight-year age gap?
#4 Potential idol-turned-chef in the making?
Between Onew and Chaeyeon, who’s the better cook? Chef Paik chose the former without missing a beat, elaborating that he’s “very talented in analysing the different flavours of food” and “has a good sense of taste”, while jokingly poking fun at Chaeyeon that she “only likes to eat” since she’s still young. He quipped, “Korean men can cook way better than you guys think!” (Onew: “Charming, right?”) Hey, perhaps a mukbang show is in order, dubu-shi?
Photo credits: tvN Asia
Go Go With Mr. Paik in Singapore will air on tvN (Singtel TV 518 and StarHub TV Channel 824) on 19 and 26 December at 10.30pm.
