Rising Star Ha-Young Makes a Powerful Variety Debut on KBS 2TV’s ‘New Restaurant’

On May 16, 2025, the hit KBS 2TV series New Restaurant welcomed a fresh face to the kitchen — actress Ha-Young, one of 2025’s most talked-about rising stars. Making her first-ever foray into variety television, Ha-Young immediately captivated viewers with her positive energy, elaborate home recipes, and endearing personality.

Though she humbly claimed to simply enjoy eating and cooking, Ha-Young wowed the show’s cast and audience with her remarkable culinary abilities, spanning Korean cuisine, Western fare, and even baking. Calling her cooking journey “nearly 20 years strong,” the 31-year-old actress showcased her skills by transforming anchovy broth ramen into gourmet yakisoba and preparing homemade kimchi — all from her compact 10-pyeong (approximately 350 square feet) studio apartment.

Her journey to stardom is as unique as her cooking. Originally a fine arts major, Ha-Young studied Western painting for over a decade, graduating from Ewha Womans University before pursuing further studies at the prestigious School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York. It was during her master’s program that she encountered acting classes and was inspired to change careers. Within six years, she evolved into a leading actress, gaining significant recognition for her role as a nurse in the acclaimed drama series Advanced Trauma Center, a character mirroring her real-life family ties to the medical field.

In New Restaurant, her signature dish included ramen enhanced with lazhoujiang (a spicy Chinese chili sauce), showcasing her sophisticated palate and multicultural culinary background. World-renowned Chef Lee Yeon-bok even dubbed Ha-Young a “treasure” of the show, praising her creativity and refreshing presence.

Throughout the episode, her cheerful demeanor earned her the nickname “Happy Ha-Young” among both cast members and fans, laying a strong foundation for what promises to be a vibrant journey in the variety show world. With her magnetic charm, strong skillset, and relatable lifestyle, viewers can expect Ha-Young to become a staple figure in future episodes of New Restaurant, airing every Friday at 8:30 PM KST on KBS 2TV.