KBS1 ‘My Hometown’ at 6

On ‘My Hometown’ at 6, singer Kim Jeong-yeon became the youngest daughter-in-law in Andong and took on the challenge of setting the ancestral rites table.

In the KBS1 broadcast of ‘My Hometown’ at 6 on the 17th, a meaningful journey unfolded that, to mark Lunar New Year, spotlighted distinctive ancestral table traditions from across the country. ‘National Guide Lady’ Kim Jeong-yeon, for this day only, appeared not at a bus stop but in front of an unfamiliar old house, taking on a special mission and delivering viewers a fresh blend of fun and emotion.

Kim Jeong-yeon knocked on the gate saying, “Come hither,” and before long the large door opened and she heard, “Youngest sister-in-law, why are you so late?” The destination was Suaedang, the residence of independence activist Suae Ryu Jin-geol, and Kim became the youngest daughter-in-law preparing a Gyeongsang-style ancestral table.

Before the full preparations, Kim headed out to shop with a foursome of neighborhood elder brothers in Andong. The first main ingredient for a Gyeongsang-style ancestral table was dombaegi meat. Referring to shark meat, dombaegi is an indispensable ritual food in Gyeongsang. The second main ingredient revealed was a hefty octopus that elevates the dignity of the Gyeongsang table.

KBS1 ‘My Hometown’

After finishing the shopping, she began the cooking with the elder who, as the head daughter-in-law of the Jeonju Ryu clan village, has carried on the household taste. The head daughter-in-law elder let Kim taste the family treasure, seed soy sauce, conveying the depth of tradition. She also shared moving stories about the weary years of having to host countless guests as the village daughter-in-law.

Although she struggled with unfamiliar cooking, Kim, with her trademark cheerfulness and quick wit, deeply empathized with the elder’s stories and shared a warm time of communication. Stepping out today not as the National Guide Lady but as the ‘national daughter-in-law,’ Kim shared the hardships and sorrows of countless daughters-in-law nationwide and offered great comfort.

Under Kim Jeong-yeon’s warm hosting, this episode not only clearly conveyed the characteristics of a Gyeongsang ancestral table and the region’s unique ritual culture, but also revisited the care and the weight of years contained in holiday foods, the life of the head daughter-in-law who has upheld tradition, and the meaning of family, giving viewers an enjoyable and informative time.

Going beyond the hometown bus, Kim brought out the flavor of life even at an old house in Andong, moving many people. Her empathy-filled hosting, which shone with even warmer goodwill for Lunar New Year, is expected to continue across the country.