Shin Gi-ru says history comments require caution

Broadcaster Shin Gi-ru said she is careful when speaking about history while explaining her role in the variety program 'What Did the King Eat?' at a press conference held at a studio in Guro-gu, Seoul, on July 14.

Shin said, 'History should not be distorted, so I am cautious about speaking. Saying something wrong is a shortcut to falling into trouble. I try to say as little as possible about history. My role is similar to that of a culinary researcher who tastes and describes the food eaten by kings.'

The program, which first aired on July 8, is a history and food talk show in which cast members taste dishes served to Joseon's 27 kings and discuss the eras and people connected to them. Korean history lecturer Choi Tae-sung appears as a Hall of Worthies scholar, while Yang Sang-guk appears as a eunuch, Shin as a senior court lady and Ji Ye-eun as a palace court lady.

Shin said Yang knows history better than he lets on and that Ji quickly absorbs historical knowledge, adding that the two cover some of the program's history knowledge. Yang said he thinks he is in charge of wit on the program and said the cast expects at least 27 episodes because Joseon had 27 kings, with about 100 episodes possible if the program also covers the kings' children.

Choi said that in South Korea, even entertainers with strong personalities tend to stop talking when he begins discussing history, but Shin, Yang and Ji were different. He said the three made comments he had not imagined, and said Ji most appropriately matches the viewers' eye level.

Ji said it would be embarrassing if only she did not know history, but added that Shin also does not know history well. Ji said she asks questions honestly and is learning history because she would not otherwise have such an opportunity.

Shin said she joined because she felt she lacked knowledge of history and thought she should take part in an educational program. She said the start of the episode 1 recording felt boring, but after filming she thought Choi could make even subjects she had not cared about feel worth asking about.

Choi said the program lets viewers feel the aesthetics, history and political meaning contained in food. He said food served to a king was not simply food but politics itself, giving the example that if abalone on the royal table was too small, a king might ask whether something had happened at the Wando market. Episode 2, airing on July 15, will reveal Sukjong's table, and Choi said Sukjong is the Joseon king who draws the highest ratings.

Food served to the king is not simply food. It is politics itself.