Wonder Girls' Sunye Returns to TV as a Cooking Mom on KBS's 'Pyeonstorang'

Former Wonder Girls leader Sunye made a heartwarming return to Korean television on February 27, appearing on KBS 2TV's cooking variety show "Pyeonstorang" where she showcased her impressive culinary skills as a dedicated mother of three.

From K-Pop Icon to Kitchen Expert

The second-generation K-pop legend, who once led Wonder Girls to international fame as the group's leader, appeared on the show revealing her transformation into a hands-on working mother. Currently raising three daughters with her eldest now a middle school student, Sunye impressed both the studio panel and viewers with her 14 years of home cooking expertise.

"I'm raising three children and I cook all three meals myself every day," Sunye shared during the broadcast. "If I hadn't become a singer, I would have opened a restaurant." Her confidence in the kitchen was immediately evident as she demonstrated a series of homemade recipes, including her signature three-variety homemade seasoning set that balances both flavor and nutrition.

OH MY GIRL's Hyojung, serving as a VitaminMC on the show, was visibly amazed by Sunye's appearance, exclaiming that she looked exactly like she did during her active idol days, a comment that drew instant agreement from other panelists.

A Nostalgic Grandmother's Table

The episode took an emotional turn when Sunye prepared a recreation of her late grandmother's traditional dishes to share with her visiting aunt and uncle. The spread included rice cooked with radish, braised radish, kimchi stew, and tofu stew — all recipes she remembered from growing up under her grandmother's care.

Sunye also prepared an array of home-style dishes including sweet braised spare ribs, seasoned dried squid strips, and almond-anchovy snacks, demonstrating the cooking skills she honed through years of trial and error after moving to Canada following her marriage at age 24.

Reflecting on Family and Loss

The broadcast touched on deeply personal moments from Sunye's life. During her aunt and uncle's visit, conversations turned to the family members who had passed away, including Sunye's grandfather and father, whom she lost in succession during Wonder Girls' U.S. promotions in 2009.

"My children are the greatest gift in my life," Sunye reflected. "After getting married, I understand my grandmother's heart so much more now. Living in Korea and raising my own children, I think about my grandmother even more." The show's production team surprised Sunye with archival footage of her late grandmother, a moment that moved her to tears.

The 'Frozen Celebrity' Makes Her Comeback

Adding a touch of humor to the emotional episode, Sunye's initial awkwardness with reality show filming earned her the endearing label of "frozen celebrity." She was seen greeting the camera unexpectedly and nervously engaging with the production crew before eventually settling into her natural rhythm in the kitchen.

Sunye's appearance on "Pyeonstorang" marks a significant television comeback for the idol-turned-mother, who surprised the entertainment world when she announced her marriage during the peak of Wonder Girls' career. Her warm presence and genuine cooking passion have quickly made her a fan favorite on the show.