Baek Jong-won, who had announced a hiatus from broadcasting to focus on the core of his business, is set to appear before the public on MBC’s new entertainment program, Antarctica’s Chef, on the 17th. The show, which was originally scheduled to air in May this year, drew attention over scheduling adjustments linked to the early presidential election and Baek’s controversies, with the production team stressing that it is not a cooking show centered on a single figure but a broadcast decision to keep promises with staff and partners.

According to MBC on the 3rd, the show’s producer, Hwang Sun-gyu, said that “the personal issues of a cast member won’t affect the program,” adding, “This is not a cooking show for a single participant.” He explained that the project is a climate-environmental venture that seeks to explore how humans, nature, and coexistence can be understood in Antarctica, and that delivering the show’s core values to viewers is important. The production team also emphasized that honoring commitments with scientists at the research base and cooperating staff was considered crucial.

Hwang noted that the program’s climate-environmental character was meant to convey how cooperation and hope can emerge under the goal of Antarctic research and environmental protection. He reiterated that the Antarctic Chef is not a program about one celebrity, and hopes it can serve as a catalyst for reflecting on our lives through stories from the world’s last continent.

Baek previously stated in May that “excluding ongoing shoots, I will suspend all broadcasting activities,” adding that as a businessman he would devote all his energy to Drive The Born Korea’s growth and the development of its franchisees.

The show features actor Im Soo-hyang, Cha Jong-hyeop, and EXO member Sehun. It will premiere on U+ Mobile TV and U+ TV at 0:00 on the 17th, with MBC broadcasting the program later that day at 22:50.