Actor Ji Seung-hyun is surprising viewers with a side of his life few expected to see, revealing that he spends part of every week living in the countryside and embracing a nature-focused lifestyle far removed from his on-screen image.
The Chosun Daily reported that the actor will make his debut as a chef on KBS2's variety program "Stars' Top Recipe at Fun-Staurant" ("Fun-Staurant"), airing June 11. Ahead of the episode, preview footage and images revealed a glimpse into Ji's daily routine in Miryang, a city in South Gyeongsang Province.
Known to many viewers for his intellectual and composed image through acting roles and his work as an MC on KBS's history program "History Special," Ji left fellow cast members stunned when cameras followed him through his rural retreat.
The episode begins in a quiet village where the actor is shown fully immersed in country life. One scene features Ji drinking fresh maple sap early in the morning, while others show him tending to a vegetable garden and preparing meals using ingredients he harvested himself.
As per Naver, Ji has followed what he calls a five days in the city, two days in the countryside approach to living. Ji clarified that during the weekdays, he acted in Seoul while spending his weekends in Miryang. It is surprising for most people who have seen him play serious roles in dramas.
Read also: Good Partner' Villain Ji Seung Hyun Is An Academic Scholar But Lacked Passion: 'My Father Was Upset'
During breakfast time, the actor made dishes from the products of his garden, cooking the dishes through the traditional method of preparing food in a wooden cauldron.
Some sources reported that castmates found his creativity in preparing dishes very impressive since he could always prepare them spontaneously depending on available resources. In addition, some described him as an expert outdoor cook.
Aside from his knowledge of farming and other agricultural practices, the program also features a different side of him, where the actor shows off his talents in reciting poems and telling jokes.
Actor Kim Jae-joong is said to have commented that Ji is a uniquely eccentric individual after having viewed tapes of his daily activities. This came following his popularity in his role as General Yang Gyu in the KBS TV drama series "The Goryeo-Khitan War" aired in 2023, in which he made a name for himself in the eyes of many viewers with his outstanding acting skills as a national hero.
However, in his latest appearance in TV, a completely new Ji emerges, one who trades in battlefields and courts for gardens and rustic landscapes.
