Please Take Care of My Refrigerator: A Culinary Journey Through South Korean Variety
Since its debut on November 17, 2014, Please Take Care of My Refrigerator has become a staple of South Korean television. Airing on the JTBC network, this high-energy variety and cooking program blends culinary expertise with entertainment, challenging professional chefs to create gourmet meals using only the ingredients found in a celebrity guest's refrigerator.
With six seasons and over 334 episodes, the show has demonstrated remarkable longevity, evolving from a simple cooking competition into a global cultural export with international versions in China and Vietnam.
Key Facts
- Original Network: JTBC (South Korea)
- Genre: Variety, Cooking
- Total Episodes: 334
- Original Release: November 17, 2014 – present
- Major Awards: 10th Cable TV Broadcasting Awards VOD Grand Prize (Daesang)
Show Format and Hosts
The core concept of the show revolves around the unexpected contents of a guest's refrigerator. Chefs must demonstrate their creativity and speed, transforming mundane or leftover ingredients into high-quality dishes. This format allows viewers to see the practical application of professional techniques in a fast-paced, competitive environment.
The program has been guided by a rotating cast of hosts and special guests who facilitate the interaction between the chefs and the celebrity guests. Long-standing main hosts include Kim Sung-joo and Ahn Jung-hwan, alongside various special hosts like Jeong Hyeong-don and Lee Soo-geun.
The Culinary Experts: Featured Chefs
The heart of the show lies in its roster of talented chefs. These professionals range from local masters to international culinary experts, providing a diverse array of flavors and techniques. Some of the most prominent recurring chefs include:
- Mihal Ashminov: A mainstay across multiple seasons.
- Choi Hyun-seok: A highly frequent competitor and award winner.
- Kim Poong: Known for his extensive appearances throughout the series.
- Sam Kim: A regular contributor to the show's culinary variety.
- Lee Yeon-bok: A veteran chef providing deep expertise.
Chef Participation Overview
| Chef Name | Season 1 | Season 2 | Season 3 | Season 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mihal Ashminov | 99 episodes | 34 episodes | 36 episodes | 6 episodes |
| Choi Hyun-seok | 105 episodes | 16 episodes | 0 episodes | 45 episodes |
| Kim Poong | 111 episodes | 50 episodes | 48 episodes | 44 episodes |
| Sam Kim | 109 episodes | 48 episodes | 48 episodes | 44 episodes |
Ratings and Cultural Impact
The show has seen significant viewership peaks. For instance, during its early years, it achieved impressive ratings, such as a 7.429% AGB rating in late 2015. Even as the show matured, it maintained a dedicated audience, occasionally seeing massive spikes in interest, such as the 8.861% rating recorded in late 2024.
The success of the program led to international adaptations. China's Go Fridge (拜託了冰箱) aired seven seasons on Tencent Video and Zhejiang TV, while Vietnam produced Please Take Care of My Refrigerator Vietnam (Cuộc chiến mỹ vị) on VTV3.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main premise of the show?
Professional chefs are tasked with creating delicious meals in a limited time using only the ingredients currently stored in a celebrity guest's refrigerator.
Has the show won any awards?
Yes, the show won the VOD Grand Prize (Daesang) in the Variety category at the 10th Cable TV Broadcasting Awards. Additionally, chef Choi Hyun-seok received the Hot Issue Entertainer Award.
Are there international versions of the show?
Yes, there are versions in China (Go Fridge) and Vietnam (Please Take Care of My Refrigerator Vietnam).
Why were some episodes cancelled or replaced?
Certain episodes were replaced by special programming due to major sporting events, such as the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, and the 2026 Winter Olympics.
How many seasons does the show have?
The show has produced 6 seasons.