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In the captivating realm of Korean entertainment, a fresh narrative unfolds as comedian Kim ByungMan finds himself at the heart of a brewing controversy with SBS over the newly announced variety show, “Jungle Meal”. Announced on April 17, 2024, “Jungle Meal” emerges as a pioneering program set to delve into the unexplored food culture of remote areas worldwide. Directed by Kim JinHo, known for his work on the “Law of the Jungle” series, the show has already piqued interest with news of actor Ryu SooYoung and comedian Lee SeungYoon considering participation.
However, the program’s announcement stirred speculation about its connection to the “Law of the Jungle” series, leading to heated debates. Many wondered if sidelining Kim ByungMan, the charismatic leader who propelled “Law of the Jungle” to success, was an intentional oversight by SBS. In response, SBS clarified that “Jungle Meal” focuses on the unique culinary culture of remote regions and, despite the similar theme, is an entirely distinct creation aiming for a broadcast in the latter half of 2024. This clarification, however, did little to quell the underlying tensions.
Kim ByungMan, feeling overlooked and undervalued, expressed his disappointment in multiple interviews. He lamented the network’s decision, describing his feelings of betrayal after dedicating 11 years of his life to the network’s cause. He further claimed that “Jungle Meal” was conceptualized based on his idea, suggesting a spin-off centered on survival experiences and healing, rather than direct participation. According to Kim, discussions with SBS’s top executives and Kim JinHo PD took place in February 2024, where he suggested the new theme. Despite initial enthusiasm, Kim found himself excluded from the project, leading to his current grievances.
Amidst allegations of idea theft, SBS staunchly refuted these claims on April 19, 2024. The network revealed that “Jungle Meal” was inspired during the “Green Fathers Club” Sri Lanka shoot in August 2023, where Ryu SooYoung’s impromptu Korean dishes using local ingredients captured the production team’s imagination. SBS emphasized that the program, slated for a 2024 release, aims to showcase the universality and appeal of Korean cuisine across different cultures, marking a significant step in K-food cultural exchange.
As “Jungle Meal” prepares to introduce global audiences to the rich tapestry of Korean culinary arts set against the backdrop of exotic locales, the controversy surrounding its inception serves as a reminder of the intricate dynamics within the Korean entertainment industry. With future updates highly anticipated, fans and industry watchers alike are keen to see how “Jungle Meal” will navigate its course amidst the waves of public discourse, hoping for a resolution that honors the contributions of all parties involved.
Source: https://www.kpopmap.com/exploring-global-tastes-with-jungle-meal-a-new-venture-in-korean-entertainment/