Broadcaster Lee Young Ja recreated actress Son Ye jin’s Lunar New Year tteokguk (rice cake soup) recipe, proving its reputation through her own cooking.
On February 8, a video titled “Hyun Bin’s Tteokguk Recipe and a Heartfelt Braised Fish Dish” was uploaded to Lee’s YouTube channel, Lee Young Ja TV.
In the video, Lee attempted Son Ye Jin’s signature maesaengi oyster tteokguk, a recipe she recently learned through a broadcast. The dish gained attention after actor Hyun Bin revealed it as his wife’s go to New Year soup.
Previously, on MBC’s variety program The Manager, Lee asked Hyun Bin what kind of tteokguk his wife makes for the New Year. Without hesitation, he answered, “Maesaengi (Seaweed) oyster tteokguk.” Lee responded that she would make it herself, and Hyun Bin gave a thumbs up in approval. Actor Jung Woo sung, who was also present, nodded repeatedly as if he was already familiar with the taste.
While cooking, Lee explained, “Around this time last year, Lee Chan won taught me maesaengi dumpling soup. This year, it’s maesaengi tteokguk with oysters.” She added that winter is when maesaengi tastes best. When she added the seaweed into the boiling broth, she exclaimed, “The aroma is incredible. It smells like the ocean,” praising the ingredient’s natural fragrance.
Lee completed the meal by pairing Son Ye Jin’s tteokguk with her own coastal style braised fish dish, creating a full spread. She also shared a childhood memory, saying, “In my island hometown, we never ate only tteokguk. We always ate rice with it too.”
After finishing the cooking, Lee sat down with the production staff and praised the dish, saying, “It’s really delicious. It tastes like something I grew up eating.” She added, “Thank you, Ye jin. I am enjoying the maesaengi tteokguk that Hyun Bin said he loves.”
Meanwhile, Hyun Bin has previously shown affection for Son Ye jin by praising her cooking skills on multiple broadcasts. He once revealed that her favorite dish to make is gimbap, explaining that she follows a family recipe passed down from Son Ye jin’s grandmother, drawing further attention from viewers.
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Dining and Cooking