Actor Lee Kyu-hyung Reveals Celebrity Pho Noodle Club With Jo Seung-woo on Jeon Hyun-moo Plan 3

Actor Lee Kyu-hyung made a memorable appearance on the popular variety food show Jeon Hyun-moo Plan 3, where he lifted the lid on a little-known celebrity social gathering that has been quietly bringing some of Korean entertainment industry most respected actors together over bowls of pho noodles.

The Secret Pho Noodle Club

During episode 20 of the MBN and Channel S variety show, airing February 27 at 9:10 PM KST, Lee Kyu-hyung joined hosts Jeon Hyun-moo and travel YouTuber Kwak Tube on a food trip to Chuncheon. When the conversation naturally turned to behind-the-scenes celebrity life, Jeon Hyun-moo asked about a rumored actors social club centered around pho noodles.

Lee Kyu-hyung confirmed the existence of the gathering, revealing that he regularly meets with acclaimed actor Jo Seung-woo, along with fellow performers Jung Moon-sung and Tae In-ho. The group reportedly convenes either at Jo Seung-woo home or at a nearby pho restaurant, bonding over the Vietnamese soup that has become their signature ritual. However, in a characteristically playful twist, Lee Kyu-hyung suddenly pivoted mid-answer, pretending to deny everything with a mock-defensive reaction that left both hosts momentarily stunned before erupting in laughter.

From Monthly Wages of 150,000 Won

The Chuncheon food trip also gave Lee Kyu-hyung the opportunity to reflect on his journey from struggling theater performer to one of Korean drama most sought-after character actors. He recalled debuting in musicals at age 22 after passing a Daehangno theater audition during his final military leave. Those early days on the stage saw him performing alongside now-renowned actors Jo Woo-jin and Kim Sung-kyun.

The financial reality of that era was sobering. Lee Kyu-hyung candidly shared that his monthly salary at the time was around 150,000 won, roughly equivalent to 110 US dollars, an amount he noted was barely enough to cover transportation costs. Despite the hardships, those formative years of theatrical training forged the intense commitment to craft that has defined his career in projects like Prison Playbook, Stranger, and The King of Pigs.

Chuncheon Tofu Comfort Food

The trio made their way to the legendary birthplace of Chuncheon famous tofu jjabagi, a beloved local comfort dish. Upon encountering the rich fermented soybean stew and the signature tofu jjabagi drizzled generously with domestic perilla oil, all three were visibly overwhelmed by the visual presentation. After their first bites, Lee Kyu-hyung and the hosts could only repeat that it was incredibly delicious, with the warmth of the food naturally fueling increasingly candid and entertaining conversation.

The episode promises to showcase Lee Kyu-hyung unexpected charm as a variety show guest, blending his dry wit with genuine vulnerability. Jeon Hyun-moo Plan 3 has built a loyal following by pairing celebrity guests with regional food discoveries, and this Chuncheon installment appears poised to become a fan-favorite moment of the season.