'The Dessert' Sung Si-kyung Would Also Eat It: "More Fun Than Devil Editing" (Summary)

TVING's 'The Dessert' Press Screening Held
Sung Si-kyung: "Yugwa with Makgeolli, Soju with Ice Cream"
Non-celebrity Cast Verification, Confidence in Fun

Singer Sung Si-kyung [Photo by TVING]

Native online video service (OTT) TVING is launching Korea's first dessert survival show, 'The Dessert.' The host is singer Sung Si-kyung, who is the owner of the popular YouTube content 'Meogeultende' and holds a pastry and baking technician certificate.

At the press screening of 'The Dessert' held on the afternoon of the 24th at CGV Yongsan in Ichon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Sung Si-kyung expressed his determination, saying, "I want to play a role in raising interest in dessert food culture."

'The Dessert' is Korea's first dessert survival program where 10 dessert chefs live together for 9 nights and 10 days. Episodes 1 and 2 will be released simultaneously on TVING on the 26th. PD Kim Na-hyun, who produced the entertainment program 'Solo Hell' series, and PD Jung Jong-chan of TVING original 'Youth MT' have joined forces.

Ten young chefs in their 20s and 30s with different backgrounds gather to compete in desserts. PD Kim Na-hyun said, "I set the framework after meeting the applicants. I felt they were 'sincere about the dessert field.' I realized there were many young and attractive chefs, so I planned a survival show where chefs with the same dream live together."

The 10 contestants take on the challenge under the banner of the dessert brand they dream of. How were the applicants selected? PD Jung Jong-chan said, "We prioritized skills in the selection process and also considered sincerity about their dreams and their characters. First, we reviewed dessert portfolios, and second, we carefully selected by watching videos of them making desserts."

The filming locations included the competition venue and the lodging. PD Jung said, "We filmed 24 hours a day for 9 nights and 10 days. The contestants stayed up all night discussing recipes and holding meetings. It was tough because we had to film everything. Even the production team wanted to run away." He added confidently, "The sincerity of the challengers was captured in an entertaining way."

Jung Jong-chan (left), Sung Si-kyung, Kim Na-hyun [Photo by TVING]

Sung Si-kyung appealed, "When you think of a 'cooking show,' you expect fire, things falling, and chaos, but there is fun in watching a quiet busyness."

The production team emphasized that there is no sensational 'devil's editing.' PD Kim said, "I thought it was not good to forcibly create a survival show by manipulating editing points. We wanted to make it comfortable to watch, not a flashy program with lots of subtitles." He continued, "There is fun in watching the power struggles of 'sensitive bosses.' The contestants' sensitive sides, jealousy, and conflicts are hidden. It’s more dramatically entertaining than devil’s editing. There will also be major rank reversals," he predicted.

Recently, issues regarding the verification of non-celebrity participants in programs have arisen. What about 'The Dessert'? PD Kim emphasized, "It was the most important point during the third selection process." He added, "Verifying non-celebrity participants is not easy. The production team met and talked with the participants as often as possible. We filtered out those who might have problematic backgrounds. Even skilled and attractive participants were not exempt."

'1 Million Subscribers' Sung Si-kyung Also Enjoys Meogeultende Desserts

Sung Si-kyung’s active role is also a source of fun. PD Kim Na-hyun said, "He is a subscriber of 'Meogeultende,' and Sung Si-kyung’s way of enjoying food deliciously on the channel was impressive. Please look forward to seeing him enjoy desserts deliciously and express vivid flavors in 'The Dessert.'" Sung Si-kyung said, "As an MC, I didn’t give opinions, but I did once during the episode about desserts paired with alcohol."

The stores introduced by Sung Si-kyung on the 'Meogeultende' channel are so influential that waiting 30 minutes to an hour before opening the next day is common. He joked, "I’m sorry." He plans to visit a bakery soon and said, "I haven’t called the owner for an appearance yet, but I want to introduce a bakery I really like. They make really delicious bread."

Sung Si-kyung Photo by TVING

When asked about desserts that go well with alcohol, he picked traditional Korean syrup-coated rice crackers (jocheong yugwa) and Makgeolli. Sung Si-kyung said, "Makgeolli goes well with jeon (Korean pancakes), but sweet snacks also pair well. Cake is a good pairing with whiskey. Ice cream goes well with soju," he answered fluently.

He said, "Usually, couples drink together and then go to a hangover soup restaurant at midnight by the last train, but how about having cake with a glass of champagne? Instead of fried rice, wouldn’t it be nice to have dessert? If interest in desserts increases through 'The Dessert' and many places pair delicious desserts with alcohol, it will be the start of a wonderful food culture."

"Desserts have the image of being 'dessert' rather than the main dish. The development of desserts can also be seen as an expansion of culture. In Western cuisine, it is part of the course, but in Korean cuisine, isn’t it a newly formed sophisticated culture? It’s a point that makes you feel, 'It’s a world where you can enjoy it.' The term is difficult, but since it’s entertainment, please enjoy it by saying 'Looks delicious' and 'Well made.'"

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