When KEY steps into the kitchen, ratings go up.
On MBC’s show “나 혼자 산다 (I live alone)“, SHINee’s KEY, along with his “foodie friends” Moon Seyoon, Seo Beomjun, and Hanhae, delivered a hilarious moment by hosting a “food party” even more memorable than a housewarming. The lavish Korean meal carefully prepared by KEY not only won over his friends but also whetted the appetite of viewers. Meanwhile, Park Jihyun, dreaming of becoming the “2PM of trot music,” learned acrobatics, showed off her cooking skills with her homemade “mala samgyetang,” and impressed with her Chinese fluency, revealing a multi-talented personality.
The episode aired on July 25, featuring KEY hosting his foodie friends Moon Seyoon, Seo Beomjun, and Hanhae at his home, alongside Park Jihyun training in acrobatics to elevate her musical performances.
According to Nielsen Korea, the July 25 episode scored a 6.0% viewership rating in the Seoul area, ranking first among Friday variety shows. The key 20-49 demographic rating, important for advertisers, hit 2.7%, also the top spot that day. The highest-rated moment was when KEY’s friends became so engrossed in the food they completely ignored the house tour, peaking at a 7.1% rating at 12:03 AM.
KEY began his day by weeding the terrace, which had turned into a jungle under the scorching sun. Sporting his idol look with red hair and protective goggles despite the sweat, he amused Park Narae, who commented, “He looks like Seo Taiji in the ‘Ultramania’ music video!” KEY shared his dream of personally tending to his home if he had a lawn, a sentiment Park Narae, herself experienced in landscaping, related to.
After finishing the weeding, KEY focused on his self-care routine. Preferring to do his hair coloring and treatments at home, he surprised everyone with this hands-on approach. Unlike Choi Minho, who uses “all-in-one” skincare products, KEY maintains a meticulous four-tier cosmetics trolley, carefully managing even his scalp care.
Next, he set about preparing a true feast for his friends. Cooking in large quantities, he caught attention with a hearty menu: 1.8 kg of cold marinated pork, acorn pancakes with mountain herbs, tofu wraps stuffed with herring roe, a salad of apples and greens, and even a reinvented fruit salad. In under two hours, KEY laid out a Korean banquet-worthy table.
Moon Seyoon was impressed: “Did you really make all this? You can cook Korean food at this level?” He immediately guessed the ingredients like a true foodie. Seo Beomjun followed Moon Seyoon’s combinations, revealing an unexpected appetite, while Hanhae quietly enjoyed his cheat day, bringing laughter to everyone.
The highlight came when Moon Seyoon tasted KEY’s mother-in-law’s kimchi, taken from the fridge. Suddenly craving rice, he exclaimed, “It’s all because of the kimchi!” sparking a burst of laughter. As everyone focused more on the food than the house, Jun Hyunmoo joked, “They didn’t even tour the house!” They did try to tour eventually but quickly gathered back around the table to enjoy the desserts Seo Beomjun prepared, causing another round of laughter. KEY explained:
“For me, hosting means cooking and setting a beautiful table. I want to give something money can’t buy,” expressing gratitude toward his friends who fully enjoyed the moment.
Meanwhile, KEY will release his 3rd album “HUNTER” on August 11.
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: YouTube MBC Entertainment
