"Familiar Hometown Scenery and Warm Hearts, Just Like 10 Years Ago"

Food Documentary 'Hansik Table of Koreans' 10th Anniversary Host Choi Bul-am
Traveling 350,000 km to Explore Korean Roots and Emotions in Meals
"Consistent Program... Thanks to Supporters, It Has Aired for 10 Years"

"Many things disappear and change, but the familiar scenery of my hometown and the hearts of those who prepare a warm meal remain the same as they were 10 years ago." Actor Choi Bul-am (80) shared this reflection while looking back on the KBS food documentary 'Koreans' Table,' which he has hosted for the past decade. "They say the landscape changes in 10 years, but when I watched footage from 10 years ago, I realized it hadn't changed much," he said.

'Koreans' Table' will celebrate its 10th anniversary on January 7 next year. Its journey has been a pilgrimage to find the roots and emotions of Koreans reflected in their dining tables. The program has traveled a total distance of 350,000 km domestically and internationally. It toured about 1,400 regions and introduced approximately 8,000 dishes. It poetically captured the joys and sorrows of Koreans through the food and tables born and raised on Korean soil, establishing itself as a long-running program.

The main contributor is undoubtedly the host, Choi. With his gentle smile and warm voice, he evokes deep nostalgia. This is an extension of the father figure he portrayed as Chairman Kim in the drama 'Jeonwon Ilgi.' Though rough, his profound paternal affection offers encouragement and support to viewers.

On the 28th, Choi said through the KBS company newsletter, "Since I have played elderly roles early on, viewers seem to feel that my current appearance is not much different from before." He added, "I often hear that I am an unchanging, consistent person, and I think 'Koreans' Table' is like that too."

Regarding how he came to be involved with 'Koreans' Table,' he said, "From 1999 to 2008, I led the public interest project 'Good Country Movement Headquarters,' and I also participated in the civic group 'Welcome to Korea,' which promotes Korea through tourism. In 2008, I played the role of a master chef in the drama 'Gourmet,' which focused on traditional food." He continued, "Through these programs, I developed an interest in Korean society, travel, and food, which I believe led to 'Koreans' Table.'"

The dish that left the strongest impression on him was Namwon's chueotang (loach soup). Choi recalled, "An elder waited for me under the village zelkova tree, took my hand, and carefully wrapped something in newspaper to give me. They wanted to give a gift but had nothing to offer, so they wrapped some sancho (Japanese pepper) that I said was delicious." He said, "It is thanks to such kind people that the program has been able to air for 10 years."

To commemorate the 10th anniversary, KBS has prepared a special four-week series starting January 7 next year. The first episode will share memories based on viewers' stories submitted with the keywords hometown, family, and mother. Episodes two and three will feature Choi, his wife Kim Min-ja, and his cherished junior actress Kim Hye-soo, showing the process of preparing a life table. The fourth episode will include Choi and his close friend, novelist Kim Hoon, meeting those dedicated to recreating and modernizing Korean cuisine.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.