Na Yeong-seok's Variety Show Faces Humiliation as It Approaches Finale—Doh Kyung-soo Ends on a High Note

Will PD Na Yeong-seok's variety shows work this time as well? The highly anticipated tvN Friday variety show 'Space Rice Cake Shop' is approaching its finale amidst the double hardship of declining viewership and controversy over merchandise prices. After starting with 2.9% in its first broadcast, the viewership gradually declined, dropping to 1.3% in the 10th episode. Although it managed a slight rebound ahead of the end, it was insufficient to recover the initial expectations and buzz. At least actor Doh Kyung-soo showed a strong presence toward the end, lifting the program's atmosphere with his outstanding cooking skills and sense.

In the 11th episode of 'Space Rice Cake Shop' broadcast on the 9th, the struggles of Doh Kyung-soo, Lee Eun-ji, Mimi, Lee Young-ji, and An Yu-jin, who were on their third day of business in Seoul, were depicted. Working alongside the so-called 'Jirak-is', Doh Kyung-soo went beyond the role of a simple part-timer to act as a key figure who solved kitchen problems and managed the flow of business. His ability to offer practical solutions amidst the bickering atmosphere between the cast members and unexpected sudden situations served as the main entertainment of the day.

During the lunch service, the 'Rice Cracker Taco' handled by Mimi faced a crisis. The rice cracker used as a taco shell began to melt, unable to withstand the moisture from the toppings. In a situation where it was difficult to maintain both the shape and texture of the food, Doh Kyung-soo suggested changing the plating by increasing the number of rice crackers, arranging them in a circle around the edge of the dish, and filling the center with toppings. Rather than simply making the given menu, he identified the cause of the problem and suggested an immediate alternative.

Doh Kyung-soo's skills were also evident in the process of making pizza dough. As the glutinous rice dough ran out, making it difficult to take orders for 'Brutzelokia Pizza', he challenged himself to make the dough directly. He completed the dough by spreading it wide while baking it in the pan, which caused tension for the main chef Lee Young-ji, who was watching. What is important in cooking variety shows is not just simple cooking techniques, but the quick-wittedness to solve problems within limited time and ingredients. Doh Kyung-soo showed his ace-like qualities by skillfully handling the series of sudden situations that occurred that day.

The wage negotiation between the cast members added the unique humor characteristic of variety shows. After debating working conditions in front of Doh Kyung-soo, the 'Jirak-is' agreed on a daily wage of 250,000 won. However, a condition was attached that they must bake up to 40 pizza doughs, and at the bottom of the contract, which Doh Kyung-soo had failed to check, there was even a clause for 'unlimited serving on the 2nd floor'. As the cast's playful negotiation met Doh Kyung-soo's reaction, the tension of the business site turned into a much lighter atmosphere.

Afterward, Lee Young-ji and Doh Kyung-soo held a dough-baking competition, betting on 'free labor' and 'double daily wage' respectively. Doh Kyung-soo presented dough with fast speed and high quality, and eventually, Lee Young-ji admitted defeat. Consequently, the part-timer Doh Kyung-soo's daily wage rose to 300,000 won. During the evening service, he also maintained balance by moving between the hall and the kitchen. By delivering menu orders for lacto-vegetarian customers to Mimi and An Yu-jin and offering advice, he acted as a practical pillar of kitchen operations beyond being a mere cast member.

However, it was not easy to make up for the overall slump of the program with the outstanding performance of a single cast member. 'Space Rice Cake Shop' recorded a viewership of 2.9% during its first broadcast in July but showed a downward trend thereafter. It fell to 1.8% in the 9th episode and reached its lowest point of 1.3% in the 10th episode. Although the viewership rose slightly in the 11th episode, the scale of the rebound was limited. Ahead of the final episode, it is uncertain whether the program can regain the initial interest.

Along with the poor viewership, the controversy over official merchandise prices also acted as a burden. When the aprons sold at the pop-up store were priced at 40,000 won and keyrings at 25,000 won, some consumers reacted that the prices were excessively high. The gap between the friendly image of the broadcast and the actual product prices fueled the controversy. While merchandise is a means to expand a program's fandom and create additional revenue, if consumer acceptance of the price and the value of the product are not supported, it can instead trigger negative public opinion.

PD Na Yeong-seok's variety shows have consistently gained popularity by varying the natural relationships of the cast and familiar formats. However, the combination of famous production staff and popular cast members does not necessarily guarantee viewership. Viewers evaluate not only the charm of the cast but also the program's unique differentiated fun, development, and the sustainability of the concept. The slump of 'Space Rice Cake Shop' shows that it is difficult to secure long-term viewing momentum simply by gathering figures with high buzz.

Doh Kyung-soo's performance provided a final spectacle for the program approaching its end, but it is uncertain whether this will lead to a reversal large enough to overturn the overall evaluation of the program. 'Space Rice Cake Shop' will come to an end with the 12th episode, which will be broadcast on the 16th at 8:35 PM. Attention is focused on what kind of conclusion the program, which started amidst declining viewership and merchandise controversy, will show in its final broadcast. Whether the atmosphere revived by Doh Kyung-soo's performance can lead to a successful conclusion is also a final point of interest.

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