Rising Star Ha-young Brings Charm and Cooking Skills to Fun-Staurant

Rising Korean actress Ha-young is set to make her variety show debut on the upcoming June 16 episode of Fun-Staurant on KBS 2TV. Ha-young, who soared to popularity for her meticulous performance in the smash-hit medical drama 중증외상센터 (Severe Trauma Center), is joining the culinary entertainment show as its newest ‘Fun-chef’. Her entry into the show’s quirky culinary world is generating massive buzz online.

In her first VCR segment, viewers take a peek into Ha-young’s humble 10-pyeong (approximately 355 square feet) one-room apartment, where she recently started living alone to focus more deeply on her acting career. Formerly living with her extended family of six, including her parents and older sister’s family, Ha-young has now fully embraced the independence of solo life. Despite the cluttered room filled with unpacked boxes, the bright and candid energy she brings instantly fills the space.

Ha-young awoke on camera, hilariously startled as she noticed the filming equipment, giving fans a refreshing and unfiltered look at her real-life demeanor. Sporting natural beauty and a messy bun, she greeted the crew with a sheepish smile, combining her celebrity charm with unpretentious relatability. “I haven’t had time to clean up since I moved in,” she laughed, eager to clarify that the mess wasn’t permanent.

Her personality shone through even more in her everyday life section—cheering at her own dishes, dancing at the sight of completed meals, and quickly building bonds with show staff, even sharing meals with them in heartwarming scenes that resonated with audiences. “I’m a bit too laid back, it worries my agency,” she joked, highlighting her grounded and cheerful nature.

But Ha-young’s cooking skills were what stole the spotlight. Whether it was perfecting a bowl of ramen with unique personal twists or preparing homemade fermented dishes like gat-kimchi, her culinary prowess exceeded expectations. So impressive were her skills that Chef Lee Yeon-bok, a regular on the show, praised her, saying, “She’s the real deal. We’ve found a gem in Fun-Staurant.”

Ha-young’s debut is not just a glimpse into the life of a rising star. It’s a relatable and heartening story of a young woman balancing ambition, authenticity, and artistry — all while cooking up a storm on national television.