Lee Young Ji faces unexpected crisis at new rice cake shop

Singer Lee Young Ji's ambitious rice cake shop project hit unexpected real-world obstacles right from the start. A surprise remark from Chef Kwon Sung-jun, who was preparing a performance, left Lee flustered and drew laughter from the cast.

In the first episode of the tvN variety program "Space Rice Cake Shop," which aired on July 31, Lee Young Ji, Lee Eun-ji, OH MY GIRL's Mimi, and Ive's An Yu Jin were shown making full preparations for the grand opening of "Space Rice Cake Shop Earth Store No. 1."

As the main chef in charge of the menu and overall operations, Lee poured out ideas to transform the shop from a simple eatery into a unique experiential space.

In particular, Lee envisioned a special atmosphere where music and dance blend together, asking Lee Eun-ji to perform in the dining area for customers. However, the plan hit an unexpected roadblock.

Chef Kwon Sung-jun, attending the meeting as the head of the headquarters' new menu development team, stated, "As far as I know, dancing in a place of business is illegal."

Kwon continued, explaining, "I understand that if you dance and sing in the hall of a general restaurant, it must be reported as an entertainment bar."

Lee, who had planned a musical-style performance, was momentarily flustered, reacting by asking, "But why are you telling me this only now?", which elicited laughter from the group.

However, refusing to give up on the "excitement" and "fun," Lee immediately pivoted to a new idea. She attempted to find a workaround by asking, "Is it okay to dance outside, like at a mobile phone store?"

To this, Kwon replied, "That might work. It seems okay as long as you don't do it inside," prompting Lee and the members of the "Jirak-idul" crew to look relieved.

Later in the broadcast, the production team clarified the regulations via subtitles to correct any misunderstandings. They explained that in a general restaurant, it is permissible to perform simple dances or songs without stage equipment, provided the performer is not a customer.

Facing the realistic hurdles of operational regulations alongside menu development from the very first episode, "Space Rice Cake Shop" offers a unique brand of entertainment by capturing the various concerns that arise in actual business operations.

Above all, Lee led the pleasant atmosphere of "Space Rice Cake Shop" by using her characteristic wit and drive to find solutions to unexpected crises. Attention is now focused on what menus and concepts the team will use to capture customers' hearts in the future.