In true Lee Young-ji fashion, chaos and comfort collided in her latest cooking showdown—an uproarious ramen battle dubbed “President Buldak’s Day.” Facing off against Choi Jae-young, this culinary skit wasn’t just about flavor—it was about friendship, betrayal, and fiery noodles. With dramatic music, hilarious commentary, and emotional food critiques, this Lee Young-ji ramen battle proves why she’s the reigning queen of K-variety.

Spice Meets Sentiment: The Heart of the Ramen Duel

The concept felt like a parody of MasterChef meets K-drama. Lee Young-ji, taking on the persona of “President Buldak,” challenged Choi Jae-young in a kitchen face-off that balanced exaggerated tension with genuine emotion. Surrounded by friends-turned-judges and a flair for melodrama, the segment mirrored a mock battle for culinary dominance—with Young-ji’s signature comedic intensity at its core.

Lee Young-ji’s Ramen: Spicy, Cheesy, and Unapologetically Emotional

Young-ji’s ramen brought the heat—both in flavor and in feels. Her version, laden with spice and mellowed by melting cheese (described hilariously as a “mokasomi futon”), offered a nostalgic warmth. Tasters praised its “mom’s ramen” vibe—fiery but comforting, simple but deeply emotional. It was the kind of bowl that whispers, “I raised you with love and Buldak sauce.”

Choi Jae-young’s Ramen: Sweet Comfort and Boyfriend Energy

In contrast, Choi Jae-young’s ramen was a delicate fusion of sweet and savory. Topped with fried onions, a creamy egg-mayo blend, and soft bibim-style noodles, his dish leaned into soft affection. One taster even likened it to a gentle boyfriend saying, “You did well today.” It had notes of Korean soul food with an unexpected twist—like a Korean-Japanese-Italian comfort hybrid. Some critique was aimed at the dryness, but the emotional impact still hit hard.

Secret Betrayals and Half-Day Redemptions

The judging turned into a mini soap opera, as votes came in 4 to 2 in favor of Jae-young. However, Young-ji suspected betrayal among her allies. When she correctly guessed the “traitor,” the format awarded her a cheeky consolation: a half-day off. The betrayal twist became part of the fun, echoing themes of mock-trust, dramatized suspicion, and variety gold.

From Defeat to Devotion: Young-ji’s Emotional Monologue

In defeat, Young-ji didn’t pout—she praised. Her heartfelt confession that Jae-young’s ramen made her “jealous of his future family” delivered one of the most memorable lines of the segment. It wasn’t just about who made the better noodles; it was about whose food carried soul. With a laugh and a touch of vulnerability, she ended the segment saying she’d be “worshipping a different god tonight”—a hilarious nod to losing her own ramen religion.

This entire skit encapsulates what makes Lee Young-ji such a force in Korean entertainment. She transforms mundane content—like cooking instant noodles—into an emotionally packed, comedically explosive, and narratively layered spectacle. It’s not just content; it’s her world, where food becomes metaphor, betrayal is hilarious, and cheese blankets are acts of love. These moments remind us that the best variety content isn’t about competition—it’s about connection, storytelling, and serving up identity with every bite.