Sung Si Kyung's 'Meokul-tende' Sparks Controversy: Lee Dae-ho's Favorite Restaurant Gets Honest Review

The Unexpected Chemistry Between Two Korean Stars

The world of Korean entertainment rarely sees such genuine moments of awkwardness turned into comedy gold. When singer Sung Si Kyung invited former baseball legend Lee Dae-ho to his popular YouTube food show 'Meokul-tende' (I'll Eat It), viewers expected the usual polite exchanges and enthusiastic food reviews. Instead, they witnessed something far more authentic - and controversial.

The episode, which aired on July 8th, 2025, featured the duo visiting Busan's 'Geumsohn 1983', a restaurant that holds special significance for Lee Dae-ho. Named after his birth year, this establishment has become his go-to spot in his hometown of Busan. The restaurant's owner, also born in 1983, boasts impressive credentials with 15 years of Italian cuisine experience and 10 years in Chinese cooking.

What made this episode particularly memorable wasn't just the food - it was Sung Si Kyung's refreshingly honest reactions that caught viewers off guard. Korean netizens have been buzzing about the singer's unfiltered responses, with many praising his authenticity in an industry often criticized for fake enthusiasm.

Lee Dae-ho's Dramatic Transformation Steals the Show

Beyond the restaurant controversy, viewers were equally shocked by Lee Dae-ho's dramatic physical transformation. The former baseball star, who once weighed over 130kg during his playing days, has successfully shed over 20kg through a combination of Ozempic treatment and rigorous lifestyle changes.

During the episode, Sung Si Kyung couldn't help but comment on his guest's changed appearance, saying 'You've really lost a lot of weight. Your face looks much thinner.' Lee Dae-ho revealed his weight loss journey, explaining that he's been eating only one meal a day and doing cardio exercises both morning and evening. Despite his diet efforts, he admitted he still has 4kg more to lose to reach his target weight.

The irony wasn't lost on viewers - here was a man on a strict diet promoting his favorite drinking establishment. Sung Si Kyung playfully noted this contradiction on his social media, writing 'He says he's on a diet, but he sure can drink!' The chemistry between the two was undeniable, with their contrasting personalities creating entertaining moments throughout the episode.

The Restaurant That Sparked a Thousand Comments

Geumsohn 1983 isn't just any restaurant - it's Lee Dae-ho's personal sanctuary in Busan. The establishment represents more than just good food; it's a place where the baseball legend can unwind with friends after closing hours. The restaurant owner, sharing the same birth year as Lee Dae-ho, has built a reputation combining Italian and Chinese culinary expertise.

What makes this place special, according to Lee Dae-ho, is its atmosphere. He described it as 'the kind of place where you can have a proper drink while traveling' and emphasized that he wanted to show something different from the typical local food joints that tourists usually visit. Instead of recommending the obvious choice of traditional Busan seafood or soup restaurants, he chose to showcase a more modern, cosmopolitan dining experience.

The restaurant's menu reflects this fusion approach, featuring items like anchovy spaghetti made with local Gijang ingredients - a creative blend that caught Sung Si Kyung's attention, though not necessarily in a positive way. The singer's questioning of the 29,000 won price point for what seemed like fusion cuisine became one of the episode's most talked-about moments.

Sung Si Kyung's Brutal Honesty Divides Viewers

The moment that set Korean social media ablaze came when Sung Si Kyung, after tasting the food, delivered what many considered a diplomatic but pointed critique. His comment, 'If this restaurant is so delicious that we came all the way to Busan for 'Meokul-tende' and you chose this place...' followed by the direct question 'Did you invest in this place?' left viewers stunned.

This wasn't the polite, enthusiastic response typically expected from Korean variety shows. Instead, Sung Si Kyung's reaction felt genuine - perhaps uncomfortably so. Korean netizens were divided in their responses. Some praised his honesty, with comments like 'When Sung Si Kyung reacts like that, it means the place is just okay' and 'I love how he's giving us the Seoul vibe of I'll show you real restaurants when you come to Seoul.'

Others felt his response was too harsh for a guest who was genuinely trying to share his favorite spot. The controversy highlighted the delicate balance between authenticity and politeness in Korean entertainment culture. Sung Si Kyung's approach represented a refreshing departure from the usual over-the-top enthusiasm, but it also raised questions about appropriate guest behavior.

The Cultural Impact of Food Show Honesty

This episode of 'Meokul-tende' touched on something deeper than just restaurant reviews - it highlighted the often artificial nature of Korean variety show reactions. Sung Si Kyung's channel, with its 2.12 million subscribers, has built a reputation for more authentic food experiences compared to traditional broadcast television.

The singer's approach to food criticism has always been more nuanced than his variety show counterparts. His background as a well-known alcohol enthusiast and gourmand gives him credibility when evaluating restaurants. When he shows lukewarm enthusiasm, viewers have learned to read between the lines - a skill that Korean audiences have developed after years of watching overly enthusiastic TV personalities.

The episode also showcased the regional pride and food culture differences between Seoul and Busan. Lee Dae-ho's choice to highlight a fusion restaurant over traditional Busan cuisine reflected his desire to show his city's modern, sophisticated side. However, this choice backfired when met with Sung Si Kyung's more critical Seoul perspective, creating an unintentional north-south cultural clash that resonated with viewers.

Behind the Scenes: The Real Relationship

Despite the on-screen tension, the relationship between Sung Si Kyung and Lee Dae-ho appears to be genuinely warm. The singer's social media posts following the episode showed multiple photos of their time together, describing Lee Dae-ho as a 'charming and smart Busan guy' whom he was happy to meet.

The photos revealed the extensive amount of alcohol consumed during their filming - seven bottles of soju and six bottles of beer - suggesting that their bonding continued well beyond the cameras. This behind-the-scenes camaraderie contrasts with the sometimes awkward on-screen moments, showing how editing and context can dramatically change viewer perceptions.

Lee Dae-ho's motivation for choosing this particular restaurant likely stemmed from genuine affection for the establishment and its owner. As someone who has become a prominent figure in Busan's social scene since his retirement from baseball, he wanted to support a local business run by someone his age. The restaurant represents the kind of sophisticated, adult dining experience that reflects his post-baseball identity.

The Lasting Impact on Korean Food Culture

The controversy surrounding this episode reflects broader changes in Korean food media consumption. Audiences are increasingly hungry for authentic reactions rather than manufactured enthusiasm. Sung Si Kyung's approach, while controversial, represents a shift toward more honest food criticism that Korean viewers seem to appreciate.

This episode has already influenced how other Korean food content creators approach restaurant reviews. The discussion it generated about authenticity versus politeness in Korean entertainment has implications beyond just food shows. It touches on cultural expectations, regional pride, and the evolving relationship between celebrities and their audiences.

For international viewers trying to understand Korean food culture, this episode serves as a valuable lesson in reading between the lines. It demonstrates how Korean audiences have become sophisticated consumers of food media, capable of detecting genuine enthusiasm from performative reactions. The episode's impact extends beyond entertainment, contributing to ongoing conversations about authenticity in Korean media and the importance of honest criticism in food culture.