"Seeing the elders find happiness in a space that felt like an oasis became a precious memory that will stay with me for a long time," actress Kim Hee-ae said.
Kim made the remarks at a press conference for the Coupang Play variety program "Bonjour Bakery," held Monday at Community House Masil in Jung-gu, Seoul, where she reflected on wrapping up filming.
"Bonjour Bakery" is a healing variety show set at a "senior dessert cafe" opened in a quiet rural village, where elderly residents and the bakery's staff share sweet comfort and warmth. On the program, Kim Hee-ae teams up with Kim Seon-ho as the "hall team," while Cha Seung-won and Lee Ki-taek form the "kitchen team."
Cha Seung-won, who also attended the event, said, "After filming, I thought, 'I did something truly worthwhile.'" Kim Seon-ho added, "It was a happy time that made me think again about the people around me." Lee Ki-taek signaled the show's emotional depth, saying, "The final scene especially stays with me. It moved me so deeply that I couldn't stop crying," and added, "My view of the people around me has become warmer and broader."
Writer Kim Ran-ju said, "I kept finding myself listening to the elders' conversations," explaining that "these are moments you can only see in 'Bonjour Bakery.'" She added, "If this show makes viewers want to take their parents out for something delicious, that alone means we've achieved our goal."
Another highlight is the fresh encounter between seasonal ingredients from Gochang, North Jeolla Province, and elegant French desserts. Producer Park Geun-hyung said, "We thought French desserts might be somewhat unfamiliar to the elders. Unfamiliar joy is good, but above all, comfort was important." He continued, "We judged that if the ingredients came from our own village, it would feel much more familiar," citing the pairing of seasonal produce with baking as a "masterstroke."
The four cast members also shared how they gave their all to their first attempts at baking and barista work. Cha Seung-won, who has showcased his cooking skills across numerous variety programs, took on the role of leading the kitchen team. "They say baking is a science, and the process is so complex that I had many doubts about whether it would even be possible," he said. "But like magic, everything came together, and I was amazed. Among all the projects I've taken part in, this one was the most surprising and gave me the greatest sense of accomplishment." Lee Ki-taek, serving as "assistant chef," said, "I struggled hard as the assistant chef. Every day was happy, filled with both excitement and tension." He added, "Remembering my senior's words that we must bring happiness to the elders gave me the strength to see it through."
Producer Park Geun-hyung said, "In the early stages, there were so many steps there was barely any time to rest. Watching the edited version, I felt sorry," expressing gratitude for Cha Seung-won's hard work. He also hinted that "the bickering chemistry between Cha Seung-won and Lee Ki-taek is another thing to watch."
The "hall team" is also expected to shine. Kim Hee-ae showed her attentive side as the shop's owner by personally suggesting the idea of a "dessert card" featuring menu names and photos for the elderly customers. "At first I joined thinking it would be fun and I'd get to eat delicious things, but when I heard we had to prepare all the coffee and drinks, I felt overwhelmed," she said. "But seeing Kim Seon-ho study during our barista training, even recording audio notes, gave me confidence." Kim Seon-ho said, "Compared to the kitchen team, we had fewer processes, so I focused and learned intensively in a short time. I thought about even the smallest details, such as the order-taking process and customer service," previewing the warm "premium service" to come.
Meanwhile, "Bonjour Bakery," which aims to bring warmth like spring sunlight to weary daily lives, will be released at 4 p.m. Wednesday on Coupang Play. Both Coupang Wow members and regular members can watch it for free.
