"China Looks Different"... Baek Jongwon's Variety Show Brings Unexpected Publicity to Chinese Antarctic Base

Abundant Food Supplies Despite Harsh Conditions
Chinese Base Allows 29 Korean Crew Members to Stay During Blizzard
"Showcasing China's Antarctic Research Capabilities and Humanitarian Side"

Recently, a scene featuring the cast of the MBC variety show 'Chef of Antarctica' visiting China's Antarctic Great Wall Station was broadcast, and Chinese state media have described it as an unexpected case of positive publicity for China.

Food storage warehouse at China's Antarctic Great Wall Station. MBC variety show 'Chef of Antarctica'

On January 21, the Chinese state-run Global Times reported, "Thanks to the Korean variety show, the Great Wall Station has received unexpected attention."

MBC's 'Chef of Antarctica' is a program that showcases the process of serving food to crew members at an Antarctic base. In the episode aired on December 8, 2025, four cast members-Paek Jongwon, Lim Soohyang, Suho, and Chae Jonghyeop-visited the Chinese Great Wall Station as honorary crew members. They prepared dishes as a gesture of gratitude for the long-standing cooperation and exchange with the nearby Korean King Sejong Station.

MBC Variety Show 'Chef of the Antarctic'

The People's Daily, the official newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party, mentioned the broadcast the previous day, saying it demonstrated both China's Antarctic research capabilities and its humanitarian side. The show revealed that the base was equipped with fresh vegetables, a well-stocked kitchen, and even live seafood. When a blizzard occurred during filming, making movement impossible, the Great Wall Station allowed the 29-member Korean production team to stay overnight.

A scene where the Great Wall Base in China permits a Korean production team of 29 members to stay overnight. MBC variety show 'Chef of Antarctica'

Before their visit, the Korean cast was told that most Antarctic bases at this time of year rely on frozen food and that it is difficult to obtain fresh ingredients. However, the Great Wall Station was stocked with a variety of ingredients, prompting the cast to comment, "It feels like we've walked into a Chinese supermarket." The People's Daily explained that this diversity demonstrates China's logistics and supply capabilities, even in extreme environments.

The Global Times also noted, "According to the program's rules, the cast could only use ingredients already available at the base," adding, "Nevertheless, the Chinese base stood out for its abundant food supplies."

Global Times introduced reactions from Korean netizens posted on online communities after the broadcast. One viewer wrote, "Our base struggled because our food storage was empty, but it was impressive to see the Korean cast surprised by the many unfamiliar ingredients at the Chinese base."

On Xiaohongshu, a Chinese social media platform, there were also proud responses highlighting China's national strength and the friendly relationship between China and Korea. One user wrote, "As a Chinese person, I am very proud," while another commented, "None of this was achieved easily."

The People's Daily concluded, "A blizzard will eventually end, but touching stories continue to be written," emphasizing that "regardless of country or ethnicity, friendship, openness, inclusiveness, the courage to face difficulties, and the pursuit of excellence are the most valuable virtues."