“Only Flour and Ramen Every Night” Jang Hye-jin Reveals ‘Parasite’ Behind-the-Scenes Story
The 161st episode of SBS’s “Story of the Day When You Bite Your Tail”, airing on Feb 6th, is titled “Their ‘He’story” and delves into the turbulent life of Im Jong-rye, a pioneer of women’s gukgeuk (traditional Korean opera performed by women) in the late 1940s. It also explores the rise of the Gomusin Troop, an early female fan club dedicated to women’s gukgeuk. Joining hosts Jang Do-yeon, Jang Hyun-sung and Jang Sung-kyu are guests Jang Hye-jin, Go Gyu-pil and dancer Aiki as listeners.
Jang Hye-jin, who recently portrayed renowned soprano Han Ki-joo, the mother of Heo Young-seo (played by Shin Ye-eun) in the drama “Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born”, which highlights women’s gukgeuk, reportedly resonated deeply with Im Jong-rye’s story.
The episode features the overwhelming popularity of women’s gukgeuk, which once attracted over 7,000 spectators in a single day, and the immense fame of Im Jong-rye as a male role performer. It also recounts the story of the Gomusin Troop, the first known fan club in Korea. The discussion captivates Jang Hye-jin, Go Gyu-pil and Aiki.
During the conversation, Go Gyu-pil surprises everyone by expressing his desire to play a gender-swapped role. He humorously adds “Of course, I’d have to go on a diet first”, acknowledging his fuller physique and determination to transform for such a role, eliciting laughter.
In contrast, Jang Hye-jin reveals her struggles with weight gain for “Parasite”, which attracted 10.31 million viewers. She confesses “I had to gain more than 18 kg at the time. I ate a lot of bread and ramen every night”, astonishing those present.
While Go Gyu-pil discusses weight loss and Jang Hye-jin recalls her weight gain struggles, Aiki unexpectedly shares the backstory behind her stage name, sparking curiosity.
The “Story of the Day When You Bite Your Tail” production team commented, “We will uncover the untold, dramatic history of women’s gukgeuk, which gave birth to Korea’s first fan club. The rise and fall of this art form, which has only recently gained recognition, will be a deeply moving experience. Please look forward to it.”
Meanwhile, “Story of the Day When You Bite Your Tail” is a program where three storytellers study and share real-life stories with a companion in an intimate setting. It airs every Thursday at 10:20 PM on SBS.
