Handsome Guys Episode 38: A Culinary Adventure in Bundang
In episode 38 of Handsome Guys, the beloved Korean variety show takes viewers on a mouthwatering journey through Bundang, Gyeonggi Province. Hosted by Shin Seung Ho and joined by special guests Ryu Kyung Soo and Kim Poong, this episode is packed with hilarious quizzes, heartfelt moments, and a fierce battle between Indian, Thai, and South Jeolla cuisines. Let’s dive into the highlights of this gastronomic adventure!
Shin Seung Ho Shines in "The Morning at Sunrise"
The episode kicks off with Shin Seung Ho’s charismatic hosting, humorously dubbed “The Morning at Sunrise.” His quick wit and unbothered charm set the tone, even as the cast teases his absence from the previous episode, which led to fewer food orders and a noticeable dip in energy. Seung Ho’s return brings back the show’s signature flair, promising a day filled with culinary exploration and laughter.
Meet the Guests: Ryu Kyung Soo and Kim Poong
This episode welcomes two dynamic guests:
- Ryu Kyung Soo: Known for his versatile acting in Our Unwritten Seoul and The Bequeathed, Kyung Soo brings his sly humor and charm. His recent role as Han Se Jin in the 2025 drama Our Unwritten Seoul is a hot topic, with the cast praising his triple-role performance.
- Kim Poong: A former webtoon artist and screenwriter turned TV cook, Poong surprises everyone by clarifying he’s not a chef but a creative cook who follows his own rules, often using MSG to enhance flavors. His quirky persona and culinary tips, like adding cumin to instant curry, steal the show.
Bundang’s Culinary Showdown: Indian vs. Thai Cuisine
The episode’s main event is a lunch menu recommendation (LMR) battle in Jeongja-dong, Bundang, a planned city known for its diverse food scene. The cast splits into two teams to tackle:
- Indian Cuisine: Prepared by chefs trained at five-star hotels in India, the restaurant offers authentic dishes like butter chicken, tikka masala, palak paneer, and lamb chop tandoori. The team enjoys naan’s chewy texture and the rich, spicy curries, with Kyung Soo’s love for cilantro adding a fun twist.
- Thai Cuisine: Led by a chef from a five-star Thai hotel, this restaurant serves classics like tom yum kung, poo pad pong karee, and moo sam chan tod. Sang Uk, a Thai food newbie, is won over by the softshell crab curry, while Poong’s expertise shines through his love for authentic flavors.
The teams’ reactions, from Seung Ho’s dramatic enjoyment to Sang Uk’s initial shock at tom yum kung’s bold taste, make for a lively food-tasting segment. The bill for Indian cuisine comes to $178, while Thai cuisine totals $163.50, sparking competitive quizzes to decide who pays.
South Jeolla Delights for Dinner
For dinner, the cast heads to a South Jeolla restaurant near Jeongja Station, famous for its seasonal dishes. Highlights include:
- Silver Pomfret Sashimi: The fatty belly of the silver pomfret, served with sesame oil, doenjang, and salted hairtail innards, is a revelation. The cast raves about its buttery texture and harmonious flavors.
- Pike Conger Shabu Shabu: With a medicinal broth featuring ginseng and jujube, this dish is paired with perilla leaves, chives, and aged mustard greens kimchi for a refreshing yet bold taste.
- Braised Silver Pomfret: The plump, tender meat and sweet broth make this a crowd favorite, perfectly complemented by makgeolli.
The dinner bill shocks everyone at $666, humorously dubbed the “number of the beast,” leading to an intense quiz battle to avoid paying.
Hilarious Quizzes and Banter
The episode is peppered with the show’s signature quizzes to determine who foots the bill. From nonsense questions like “What do they say in Egypt on their way to work?” (answer: “The Nile”) to a reverse song quiz featuring hits like Baek Z Young’s “My Ear’s Candy” and Girls’ Generation’s “Gee,” the cast’s competitive spirit shines. Poong’s repeated failures, earning him the nickname “Poong, Poong, Poong,” and Seung Ho’s clutch answers add to the hilarity.
A memorable moment comes when Kyung Soo calls actress Park Bo Young “Bbovely” during a surprise phone call, showcasing their playful camaraderie. The episode wraps up with a tense “Line Up the Words” game, where Poong’s mistaken answer of “Sanbon” as a city (instead of a neighborhood) costs them a chance to cancel previous payments.
Cafe Cool-Down and Season Finale Tease
After the savory feast, the cast cools off at a Bundang cafe with thread bingsu and apple mango bingsu. The refreshing desserts, paired with drinks like Einspanner and melon soda, provide a sweet end to the day. The episode closes with a teaser for the season finale, hinting at a “Handsome Tribe” concept where the cast faces an “insufficient life” challenge, promising more laughter and surprises.
Why You Should Watch Episode 38
Handsome Guys episode 38 is a delightful mix of food, fun, and friendship. Whether you’re a foodie craving exotic flavors or a fan of the cast’s chemistry, this episode delivers. Catch it on Thursday nights at 8:40 PM and join the Handsome Guys for a culinary adventure in Bundang!
Where to Watch
Stream Handsome Guys on your favorite platforms or tune in to the broadcast. For more details, visit the official site or check X for fan reactions and updates.