A top Korean actress’ candid cooking review has sparked a heated reaction online.
On July 23rd, a video reviewing different tteokbokki (Korean rice cakes) recipes was uploaded on YouTube. Known as a “tteokbokki maniac,” actress Han Ga In put popular, beloved recipes to the test herself.
The first recipe she tackled was none other than the famously trusted “Lifetime Tteokbokki” recipe by actor Ryu Soo Young. However, Han Ga-in’s response after tasting the finished dish was unexpected.
She said, “The flavors don’t harmonize. The saltiness and sweetness feel disconnected. It feels incomplete,” adding, “It’s neither delicious nor bad—just ambiguous. I’m doubtful I could eat this for a lifetime.” She did compliment the fish cakes and broth, saying they were tasty.
Han Ga In clarified her relationship with Ryu Soo Young, saying, “We have no connection or even an acquaintance,” while showing caution not to imply any disrespect toward the recipe. She admitted, “There may be issues with my cooking process. Like when making the same coffee with a machine, the taste can differ. It might taste fine when Ryu Soo Young makes it, but different when I do. It could really be a matter of cooking skill,” taking responsibility for the result.
Ultimately, among the five recipes she prepared that day, Han Ga In ranked Ryu Soo Young’s tteokbokki last, in fifth place.
After the broadcast, netizens engaged in back-and-forth debates. Some analyzed the tteokbokki in the video, pointing out, “The color and consistency differ from what Ryu Soo Young made on the show,” “The broth looks too watery,” “Usually, spoonfuls of the seasoning are heavily added to bring out the flavor, but it looks like too little was used for health reasons,” and “Did she mismeasure the ingredients?” Criticism was sharp. Some even suggested it could be seen as disrespectful to Ryu Soo Young.
However, the majority opinion leaned toward “Handcrafted flavor really does make a difference” and “It seems to be an issue of cooking skill more than the recipe itself,” wrapping up the matter as a light-hearted episode. Han Ga In’s straightforward, unfiltered approach on YouTube is drawing public interest precisely because of her honesty.