Chapter 91
Chapter 91
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: uly
Chapter: 91
Chapter Title: Episode 30: New Corner (4)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Kang Han-do's mind was filled with ideas related to the Driving License Academy.
But today, he had to put those thoughts aside for the time being.
It was the final filming day for Chef Kim's Kitchen.
None of them—Kang Han-do, Chef Kim Woon-sik, or Jo Min-ha—had heard who the guest coming to the restaurant today would be.
They still hadn't been told, even though recording was right around the corner.
Filming was scheduled to start in just one hour.
Kang Han-do went to find I Na-min, the main writer for Chef Kim's Kitchen.
"Writer I, we still haven't gotten the info on today's guest."
Normally, guest information was shared with the cast at least three days before filming began.
They needed to know who the guest was and their story to prepare the right food to serve.
She would usually provide that info.
But not this time.
"S-Sorry, Han-do. I actually haven't heard either..."
"......"
Kang Han-do's eyes narrowed.
Judging by the stutter...
'She's lying.'
There was no way Writer I didn't know. She wasn't a junior writer; she was the main one.
For her not to know who the guest was?
It could only mean she was trying to sabotage the show.
'PD Na Won-cheol must have told her not to say anything.'
That was the only explanation that came to mind.
And with PD Na Won-cheol, it was entirely plausible.
PD Na Won-cheol loved pulling off hidden camera pranks or surprise events on the cast.
Just who was this guest they were bringing in that they had to keep it secret even from the cast?
A Hollywood star? A celebrity CEO? A politician?
He had no clue whatsoever.
But it was clearly someone extraordinary.
In any case, Kang Han-do had no choice but to hurry with his preparations as a cast member.
He cleaned and organized the restaurant with Jo Min-ha. Meanwhile, Chef Kim Woon-sik threw himself into food prep.
But the unease wouldn't fade.
Chef Kim Woon-sik quietly called Kang Han-do over.
"You still haven't heard who the guest is today, right?"
"Yeah. Looks like the staff are prepping some hidden camera thing."
"Hidden camera?"
"That's usually how it goes in setups like this."
The lack of any info for the cast was a dead giveaway for a hidden cam.
"Suddenly some ghost or something won't pop out, right? I-I'm the type who can't even watch horror movies..."
Kang Han-do discovered an unexpected side to Chef Kim Woon-sik.
But he didn't need to worry about that.
"PD Na Won-cheol loves hidden cams and surprises, but he's not the type to suddenly switch the show's genre to horror. You can relax. Plus, it's not even summer season."
Horror special hidden cams were usually done in summer.
They were past summer now, heading into cooler weather. Way too late for a horror theme.
Amid the curiosity and anxiety, the final episode of Chef Kim's Kitchen finally began.
The moment the guest walked in through the door, the cast stared at him in stunned silence.
"PD Na?!"
"Aren't we filming right now?"
"We are filming."
Jo Min-ha and Chef Kim Woon-sik had no idea what PD Na Won-cheol was talking about.
But Kang Han-do caught on immediately.
"Come on in, sir. Take a seat wherever you're comfortable."
"Mind if I sit by the window? I've always wanted to sit there and enjoy a leisurely meal."
"Haha, of course!"
The identity of the final guest was none other than PD Na Won-cheol.
* * *
Chef Kim Woon-sik brought out the pork cutlet PD Na Won-cheol had ordered.
After setting the food down, the cast joined him at the same table.
PD Na Won-cheol smiled.
"Bet you were surprised."
The three cast members nodded.
At first, they thought he'd come to pause filming for a bit. But who would've guessed he'd be the final guest.
Before eating, PD Na Won-cheol explained why he'd volunteered to play the guest.
"We've welcomed all sorts of guests over the 12 episodes. Back in episode 1..."
"It was the newlyweds who'd done an international marriage."
Before PD Na Won-cheol could say it, Chef Kim Woon-sik answered first.
How could he forget? They were the only guests he'd served food to without grasping the show's intent, filled only with his own arrogance.
That's why he felt even more sorry—and why it stuck with him.
PD Na Won-cheol continued.
"We had the college student living alone, the comedian couple Kim Sang-hun and Lee Yo-soo. Looking back now, we've really had so many guests."
He pointed at Jo Min-ha.
"What about you, Jo Min-ha? How was working at Chef Kim's Kitchen?"
"It helped me rediscover my roots."
"Your roots?"
"Yeah. Back when I was an aspiring actress, I worked part-time serving at places like this to make ends meet. It brought back those memories... So for me, this show was like a reminder of where I started."
"I see. And you, Chef Kim Woon-sik?"
Taking his turn next, Chef Kim Woon-sik gave an awkward smile.
"For me... it was a show that made me break out in a cold sweat."
"Hahaha! Why's that?"
"Cooking is tough enough as it is, but being on broadcast made me tense up even more. I went through double the hardship in secret. But it was fun anyway. And honestly, the show's success boosted my restaurant's sales a ton."
It was a frank, straightforward account.
As of episode 11, Chef Kim's Kitchen had hit the 8% ratings mark. That was a full 3% above their original 5% target.
PD Na Won-cheol passed the turn to Kang Han-do last.
"What about you, Han-do? This was your first time on a show like this, and first time working with me, right?"
"I had a blast. It didn't feel like work—it was more like a fun hobby."
It wasn't flattery; it was straight from the heart.
Every recording day, Kang Han-do felt more joy than exhaustion.
A new variety genre he'd never tried before.
On top of that, Kang Han-do showed some ambition.
"It'd be great if there was a season 2."
"If there was a season 2, would you appear?"
"Yeah, of course!"
Kang Han-do spoke with full conviction. The other cast members felt the same.
"I'd do it too!"
"I'd clear my schedule no matter what."
Jo Min-ha and Chef Kim Woon-sik were just as enthusiastic as Kang Han-do.
PD Na Won-cheol was delighted to hear it.
Season 2 wasn't confirmed yet. But with the stellar ratings and great viewer response, production was expected to sail smoothly, like a ship with the wind at its back.
They'd gotten enough footage.
It was time to wrap up.
"Chef Kim."
Kang Han-do signaled to Chef Kim Woon-sik.
Chef Kim Woon-sik headed to the kitchen. PD Na Won-cheol tilted his head at this unplanned action.
A moment later.
"Great work!"
Chef Kim Woon-sik emerged with a cake.
Kang Han-do and Jo Min-ha set off the sparklers they'd prepared in advance.
PD Na Won-cheol wasn't the only one with a surprise.
The cast had prepared one in return.
They placed the cake in the center of the table, and the cast and staff gathered around.
For the grand finale, everyone together!
"Chef Kim's Kitchen, fighting!"
With that, Chef Kim's Kitchen—which had been filmed over three months—drew its curtain.
* * *
The Chef Kim's Kitchen team after the final shoot.
They decided to hold the wrap party at Highroad, Chef Kim Woon-sik's own restaurant.
For the day, Chef Kim Woon-sik had closed the place for the production team's party.
The team alone numbered over 50. Chef Kim Woon-sik was swamped making food.
Kang Han-do spoke to him while he worked in the kitchen.
"Chef Kim, why'd you insist on your own place? We could've gone somewhere else. Isn't this hard?"
"Haha! It's fine. I'm happiest when I'm cooking for people I like."
As expected. Chef Kim Woon-sik was born to be a chef.
Kang Han-do returned to his seat. At some point, PD Na Won-cheol had taken the spot next to him.
"Han-do."
Lowering his voice, PD Na Won-cheol asked about his schedule.
"Early next year... say, January to March. You free?"
In that instant, Kang Han-do instinctively knew.
PD Na Won-cheol was planning something new.
"Yeah, I'm free."
"You've probably guessed, but I'm thinking of making a new show. Still in the planning stage, but once we nail down the concept, let's set up a meeting."
"Season 2 of Chef Kim's Kitchen?"
"Nah, that starts production mid-next year."
"It's decided?"
"Yeah. It was greenlit the day after our final shoot."
That was fast.
But with season 2 practically a given, it wasn't surprising.
The response had been too good.
PD Na Won-cheol savored his wine. Then he revealed his honest feelings.
"You're like a treasure to me, Han-do. Truth is, without you, Chef Kim's Kitchen would've flopped."
No matter how good the planning, editing, or directing, if the cast doesn't shine, the show fails.
That's why they pay top dollar for recognizable celebs.
Kang Han-do had met PD Na Won-cheol's expectations—and then some.
"I want to keep working with you, Han-do. Selfish of me, but yeah."
"Same here. If the chance comes, let's keep teaming up."
"That's the happiest thing I've heard all second half of the year. I was gonna go easy on the drinks and head home early... but nah. Let's go all out tonight!"
No party like this without booze.
Kang Han-do decided to match PD Na Won-cheol's energy.
* * *
After finishing the Driving License Academy idea meeting, Kang Han-do visited his agency for the first time in a while.
Nemiga had contacted him saying she had something to tell him.
"What's up?"
"Han-do, next Thursday and Friday. You got those two days free?"
"I can make time. But two whole days? Why?"
"You remember that ad you shot with the Game World team? The mobile game..."
"Raceive?"
"Oh, yeah! That's it."
It was the mobile game Kang Han-do bragged about being a top ranker in whenever he got the chance.
He had less time to play these days, so his rank had dropped, but he still enjoyed it.
"What about Raceive?"
"There's this E-Star event in Busan for games, and they want you as special MC. Haven't replied yet. What do you think?"
Did he even need to think?
"They're paying and giving me work? Of course I'm going."
And with that, Kang Han-do's trip to Busan was set.