Eom Hong-gil, descendant of Eom Heung-do who recovered King Danjong's body: "Thanks to my ancestors, many have shown interest" [Comprehensive] (What Did the King Eat?)

*This content was translated by AI.

Mountain climber Eom Hong-gil, a descendant of Eom Heung-do, appeared on 'What Did the King Eat?' to reflect on King Danjong's meals and the noble loyalty of his ancestor, leaving viewers with a touching aftertaste.

In an episode of TV Chosun's variety program 'What Did the King Eat?' aired on the afternoon of the 12th, the meal table of King Danjong, a young king who carried the most heartbreaking tragedy in Joseon history, was revealed.

Eom Hong-gil, a mountain climber and descendant of Eom Heung-do who risked his life to recover King Danjong's body after the latter ascended the throne at age 12 and met his end at 17, joined as a guest. Earlier, the film 'The Man Who Lived with the King' (hereafter 'The Man'), starring Eom Heung-do and King Danjong, had achieved box office success with over 10 million viewers. Eom Hong-gil said, "Thanks to my ancestors, many people have become interested," expressing his unique feelings about 'The Man.'

First, the 'Palace Trio'—Yang Sang-guk, Shin Ki-ru, and Ji Ye-eun—were served the meal that King Danjong swallowed through tears. Since it was a period of mourning during which meat could not be eaten, Grand Prince Suyang offered 'Yukjeup,' a broth made from beef, claiming it would help restore Danjong's strength. This 'Yukjeup' was a concentrated essence created by simmering beef for a long time in a double boiler. Ji Ye-eun exclaimed, "It must be hard to taste good?" appearing flustered.

However, after tasting the 'Yukjeup,' Yang Sang-guk praised it as "not stimulating but healthy," while Ji Ye-eun also welcomed it, saying, "It's like a medicinal tonic." Although Grand Prince Suyang appeared to care for Danjong's health, this was in fact an act intended to force Danjong into submission.

Under pressure from Grand Prince Suyang, King Danjong ultimately failed to uphold his duty as a son and had no choice but to swallow the 'Yukjeup.' Eom Hong-gil expressed regret, saying, "For Danjong, who was forced to eat due to Grand Prince Suyang, this food must have been poisonous."

Grand Prince Suyang, who pressured his nephew King Danjong into submission, eventually instigated the 'Gyeoyu Jeongnan' (Rebellion of Gyeoyu). He labeled Danjong's close aides as traitors and seized actual power in Joseon. Despite having started the rebellion himself, Grand Prince Suyang demanded a plaque certifying royal orders and palace dishes for banquets.

The 'Palace Trio' thus encountered the 'Stolen Meal Table,' which King Danjong had surrendered to Grand Prince Suyang. The most tragic meal table, the 'Stolen Meal Table,' was a banquet spread filled with side dishes including eomandu (fish dumplings), saengchijeobi (pheasant stew), thick rice cakes, dried beef, niabi-ani (beef jerky), and plums.

Shin Ki-ru exclaimed, "This is the most lavish meal table I've seen so far," expressing surprise. Regarding the eomandu, with dumpling wrappers made of flounder and filling made of beef, Shin Ki-ru praised it, saying, "They are different from each other, but together they create a great synergy."

Yang Sang-guk, after tasting niabi-ani, widened his eyes in delight, saying, "This is my first time trying this, and it's so delicious." A dish called 'Saengchijeobi,' made with pheasant meat and handmade dumplings, also appeared. Shin Ki-ru welcomed the rare delicacy, remarking, "You can't find something like this at ordinary restaurants."

Guest Eom Hong-gil also captivated attention by eating even after refills. While reflecting on the tragedy of the banquet table that Grand Prince Suyang forcibly took from Danjong, both Yang Sang-guk and Eom Hong-gil confessed their complex feelings in unison: "It's humiliating... but it tastes so good I can't help myself," drawing laughter.

King Danjong, having lost even his last supporters who could have protected him, embarked on a lonely journey to Yeongwol Cheongnyeongpo, his place of exile where he knew he could not escape alive. Having visited Cheongnyeongpo personally, Eom Hong-gil expressed, "My heart feels heavy. It may look like it's surrounded by nature, but it is actually a prison. It's deep within mountains upon mountains."

For such King Danjong, the people of Yeongwol became a great comfort. The people of Yeongwol offered him their best possession, the local specialty 'Eosuri,' to welcome the king who had been driven far from his homeland. The completed 'Table of Eosuri' included Eosuri greens, Eosuri pot rice, and Eosuri soup.

The 'Palace Trio' welcomed it, saying, "King Danjong's meal table is sad but delicious, so I look forward to more." Shin Ki-ru said, "I don't usually like vegetable rice, but even just the rice tastes good," becoming captivated by Eosuri's savory umami. History instructor Choi Tae-seong, known as 'Big Star Teacher,' remarked, "The soup has a light and fragrant flavor. It's so delicious." Ji Ye-eun exclaimed, "Captain, it feels like we're at a high-end Korean restaurant," marveling at Eom Hong-gil, the 'Food Master' who surpassed even Shin Ki-ru.

Next, Choi Tae-seong shared the tragic story that after King Danjong's death, a royal decree was issued stating, "Anyone who recovers his body will have their three generations exterminated," leaving no one willing to approach him, and his body was thrown into a river. However, Eom Hong-gil's ancestor, Eom Heung-do, despite the terrifying threat of having his three generations wiped out, recovered King Danjong's body along with his two sons and buried him in a place where a large deer lay in the snow.

Hearing this story directly from descendant Eom Hong-gil moved everyone's hearts. Yang Sang-guk, who had explored history through royal meal tables over six episodes, shared his impressions: "I thought Joseon-era food would be tasteless, but I was surprised by its deep flavor. It was interesting and engaging because history is embedded in the food."

Shin Ki-ru also expressed satisfaction, saying, "Eating while learning filled both my stomach and my mind, making me happy." Ji Ye-eun added, "It was great to experience the original taste of the food, and the quiz was fun as well."

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*This content was translated by AI.