[The Epoch Times, january 23, 2025](Epoch Times reporter Yang Yifan reported) “Crash Landing on a Chef: Hakka Kitchen” unites talents from Taiwan and South Korea, showcasing their ability to bridge cultural gaps and collaborate on a culinary adventure. Following a recent episode where they managed a Hakka eatery in Miaoli, the team took on a food truck challenge at Lotte Taoyuan Baseball Stadium, testing their adaptability and teamwork.
This unique series features Leeteuk, the frontman of the iconic K-pop group Super Junior, alongside Lee Won-il, a celebrated South Korean chef, and Nien (Xu Nianci), a rising star from the Taiwanese girl group tripleS.Joining them are Taiwanese actor Wen Shenghao,multi-talented athlete Jiang Hongjie,and Korean performer Judy. The show premieres on Hakka TV every Friday at 8 PM, with full episodes accessible on LINE TV and the Hakka TV website starting February 2.
Once the food truck challenge concluded, the cast took a well-deserved break to enjoy a baseball game. The stadium erupted with energy when Leeteuk’s hit song “Sorry Sorry” played, prompting him to lead an impromptu dance with his co-stars. The crowd’s enthusiasm reached a fever pitch, creating an unforgettable moment of camaraderie and entertainment.
Leeteuk also shared his vision of introducing Hakka cuisine to South Korea, elevating it to a gourmet level and testing its appeal in a new market. This ambitious goal highlights the show’s broader mission of cultural exchange and culinary innovation.
Bringing Taiwan’s hakka culture to the global stage has been a rewarding yet challenging journey, especially when introducing its unique cuisine to new markets like South Korea. Li Yuanri, a key figure in this initiative, shared his initial concerns: “We weren’t sure how Korean diners would react to Hakka dishes, as the flavors might be unfamiliar to them. However, the overwhelmingly positive response was both surprising and heartwarming.”
One of the most notable hurdles in establishing Hakka cuisine in South Korea has been logistics. Li explained, “Transporting essential ingredients like soy sauce and kumquat sauce from taiwan via air freight has been a major challenge. the tight timelines add pressure to the preparation process, but the joy on our customers’ faces makes every effort worthwhile.”
Nien, another collaborator, recalled the intense moments leading up to the restaurant’s launch: “Stepping into the kitchen to prepare for the grand opening was nerve-wracking, especially without the usual support from Judy and seungho. The pressure was immense, but seeing Leeteuk’s professionalism and infectious enthusiasm motivated me to push through and deliver my best.”
This venture is more than just a culinary experiment; it’s a cultural bridge. By introducing Hakka cuisine to South Korea, the team aims to showcase the rich heritage and flavors of taiwan’s Hakka community. the collaboration between Li Yuanri, Nien, and Leeteuk highlights the importance of teamwork and adaptability in overcoming challenges and achieving success in a competitive international market.
With the Lunar New Year just around the corner, Li Yuanri posed an intriguing question: “In Korea, enjoying rice cake soup is believed to bring good fortune for the coming year. I wonder what traditional dishes are enjoyed during the New Year celebrations in Taiwan?”
In anticipation of the new year, Leeteuk shared heartfelt wishes: “May 2025 be filled with positivity and joy for everyone. I wish you all good health and endless happiness!” He also expressed his gratitude to his fans, saying, “Please continue to show your love for Leeteuk in 2025 as well! I cherish you all, Taiwan!”
Editor in charge: Xin Youan
