Youn’s Stay Gifts Therapeutic Moments in a Traditional Korean Setting
Renowned variety show producer Na Youngsuk collaborates with producer Kim Sehee, sweeping tvN ratings once again with reality show Youn’s Stay. Featuring the mellow transition of seasons, Youn’s Stay embraces the relaxed ambiance created by the diverse foreign guests and introduces the beauty of Korean culture in both implicit and explicit ways.
Although the production team initially looked forward to premiering the third season of the variety series Youn’s Kitchen, their plan was struck by the indefinite stretch of the pandemic. And with that gave way to the spin-off Youn’s Stay––a show that will make your day full of smiles.
Synopsis of the Show
The cast of Youn’s Stay runs a gorgeous hanok guesthouse that embodies the inimitable architectural structure of traditional Korean buildings. Foreigners who have been unable to truly explore and engage in Korean culture due to COVID-19 restrictions are welcome to take a rest, embrace the comfort in the air, and experience the beautiful Korean culture during their stay.
Aside from the gorgeous scenery that is further enhanced through Youn’s Stay’s amazing cinematography, great hospitality is also a given. The cast’s profound appreciation for Korean culture is delivered to the guests as the members provide detailed descriptions of historical and cultural context when serving authentic Korean cuisine and describing the traditional hotel rooms. The show mirrors the challenge that the five cast members have to face in carrying on the hotel business as hoteliers; in spite of the chaos that envelopes the cast, the celebrities contribute to the creation of a cozy atmosphere that warms the hearts of many viewers.
A Warm Hello From the Cast
Pouring in immense effort and sincerity, the five celebrities spend a busy but rewarding time fulfilling their respective roles and responsibilities.
Actress Youn Yuhjung, who recently received many distinguished honors after starring in the film Minari, stands as the pillar of the team—the guesthouse boss. The reception area acts like Boss Youn’s home ground as she receives visitors with a witty talk, led on with a generous undertone. Her main tasks are to first welcome the guests visiting the guesthouse; she goes the extra mile in providing an explanation of the meaning behind the room they will be staying in for the night, demonstrating a subtle approach in introducing Korean culture to the foreign guests. Despite carrying the weight on her shoulders as the head of the guesthouse, the actress does not hesitate to follow up on any requests or questions that the guests have in mind as she genuinely wishes to provide them with the best hospitality and unforgettable memories. Her endearing character and soft yet charismatic charm are definitely loved by the guests, as shown in numerous scenes throughout the program. Boss Youn’s overall management creates a flourishing guest house business.
Depicting the resolute and passionate personality of reporter Lee Jinwoo in OCN’s drama Times, actor Lee Seojin presents his unrivaled character as the executive manager of Youn’s Stay. It feels great to see the actor’s same relaxed aura from the Three Meals a Day series enveloping him throughout the show, bringing back memories of the star in his most natural state when he featured in a good number of Na Youngsuk PD’s entertainment shows (Three Meals a Day, Grandpas Over Flowers). During Youn’s Stay, Lee Seojin sufficiently displays his gentle manners and sense of humor that have already been depicted through his countless variety show experiences with Na PD (his shows portray both warmth and entertainment, often portrayed in the midst of chaotic moments). The manager proves to be more than attentive as his focus is always set on the guests, and he himself is ready to cater whatever is necessary to the guests’ needs. From a new perspective, it is not strange to mention that Lee Seojin should also be considered as a part of the cooking team; after all, he is the one who serves welcome drinks and creates creative, fresh desserts, the perfect closer to the hotel’s grand dinner course. A key point to be on the lookout for is Lee Seojin’s dimples signaling the success of the desserts for the day!
Jung Yumi, an actress who previously starred in the Youn’s Kitchen series, plays the role as the main chef in this spin-off. Truly embodying her nickname “Yumvely” (윰블리, a word combining Yumi and lovely), her lovely nature sets off a wave of positive energy, brightening up the exhausted members worn out by the hectic food preparation in the busy kitchen. The actress’s sincere interest in learning, practicing, and ultimately cooking the food is noticeable with her continuous routine of waking up early (along with her fellow castmates) to prepare ingredients. The actress winds up a number of mouthwatering dishes that stir up compliments and praises from guests left and right, an honor that recognizes and rewards the actress for her effort.
Actor Park Seojoon, the last of the original cast from Youn’s Kitchen, returns as the second chef (or sous-chef) working alongside head chef Jung Yumi. Practicing recipes at home in hopes of perfecting them prior to cooking official meals for guests, Park Seojoon manifests the hard-working spirit and translates his passion into the kitchen. His signature menu tteok-galbi with chestnut filling is one of the most popular dishes served at the guesthouse, especially with its special return for the final wave of guests at Youn’s Stay. His impressive chemistry with head chef Jung Yumi yields amazing dishes that impress everyone, bringing the whole experience alive to the viewers as well.
Parasite’s Choi Wooshik joins the team for the first time in the series, taking on the title as Youn’s Stay’s intern. Choi Wooshik’s eminent suitability as an intern is reflective of the dynamic tasks that he completes throughout the course of the day. Thanks to his humorous and social nature, the actor fits right in as his amiable personality lightens up the mood of the guesthouse. The intern’s numerous charms surely act to enhance the team chemistry, bringing a refreshing vibe, and stands as the subject of adoration by all members of the show as the youngest of the cast. Nevertheless, he perfectly carries out his infinite number of tasks as he is stuck in the never-ending cycle of running around and attending to different duties such as: going out for pick-up service, introducing rooms, taking orders, serving food, checking up on inventory... and the list goes on. One can recognize that Choi Wooshik’s catchphrase (“I’ll be your trustworthy guide, bellboy, and a good friend!”) functions as an ice breaker in his conversations with the guests—naturally guiding for a conversation to bloom between everyone in the car, and opening a window of opportunity for everyone to get closer to one another.
It is refreshing to see how Youn’s Stay communicates the beauty of Korean customs, traditions, and language to their foreign guests as well as a global audience throughout the whole show. At a time when international travel is limited and with all the recent events reflecting discriminatory attitudes towards the AAPI community, it is heartwarming to feel a widespread appreciation for Korean culture. Although the show has ended with its final episode on April 2, 2021, you can occasionally look back on clips to relive moments with the aesthetic and authentic film of Youn’s Stay, and enjoy the refreshing experience with the cast in Korea.