Antarctica's Chef PD: Climate Project Couldn't Be Delayed Amid Controversy

The producer of *Chef of Antarctica* has addressed the controversy surrounding Paik Jong-won, CEO of The Born Korea, who appeared on the program.

Co-produced by MBC and LG Uplus’ Studio X+U, *Chef of Antarctica* is an entertainment program documenting CEO Paik, Chae Jong-hyeop, Lim Soo-hyang, and Suho (EXO) joining the King Sejong Scientific Base in Antarctica as members and serving warm meals to the crew. Originally slated for a first-half broadcast this year, it was postponed once and finally confirmed to premiere on the 17th.

Hwang Soon-gyu PD said on the 3rd, “*Chef of Antarctica* is a climate and environment project,” adding, “The Earth is getting hotter every year, and as recent summers have made us keenly aware of this change, we felt we could no longer delay, which was the starting point.”

Regarding the question of whether personal issues of the cast affected the broadcast, he said, “*Chef of Antarctica* began filming last November and was already a completed work awaiting broadcast,” adding, “Following a delay in broadcasting due to external circumstances, the emergence of issues involving the cast led the company to deeply consider the matter, as far as I know.” He continued, “The production team was also aware of the issue and seriously discussed the program’s message and direction.”

PD Hwang stated, “*Chef of Antarctica* is not a cooking show where the cast are the main characters,” adding, “As a climate and environment project exploring the meaning of coexistence between humans and nature in the extreme environment of Antarctica, we judged it important to properly convey its essential value to viewers.” Furthermore, he explained the decision to proceed with the broadcast, stating, “Another important reason was to keep the promise made to officials from various national scientific bases who cooperated in filming at the Antarctic base, as well as numerous staff and partners who participated in the production despite the harsh environment.”

PD Hwang expressed a desire to showcase the *unique worldview of Antarctica* rather than focusing on cooking. He said, “Antarctica is home to over 30 research bases from different countries, and although they speak different languages and have different cultures, they cooperate and interact under the common goal of addressing the climate crisis and survival,” adding, “Within this unique worldview, we aimed to show how food serves not just as a meal or a gourmet experience but as a medium that connects people across borders and languages.”

He continued, “When we visited neighboring bases like Argentina, China, and Uruguay and served them a carefully prepared meal using their own ingredients, I cannot forget their smiles and tears,” adding, “I dare say the cast of *Chef of Antarctica* faithfully performed the role of civilian diplomats.”

PD Hwang reiterated, “*Chef of Antarctica* is not a program about traveling abroad to cook and taste food,” stating, “What we focus on is the people who eat the food—the crew members living day by day in this extreme land. We hope this serves as an opportunity to reflect on our current lives through their stories.”