Seven years, 1,329 restaurants, and 2,131 meals across South Korea came to a bittersweet close on June 21, 2026, as ‘Sikgaek Heo Young-man’s Baekban Journey‘ wrapped up its first season on TV Chosun. The end of the season was not a planned farewell but a necessary one, following the hospitalisation of the show’s beloved host, legendary cartoonist Heo Young-man, after a serious fall. For fans of Korean food culture and television, this one stings.
Host Heo Young-man’s Accident Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Show Title | Sikgaek Heo Young-man’s Baekban Journey (also known as Heo Young Man’s Food Travel) |
| Network | TV Chosun |
| Run | May 2019 to June 21, 2026 (Season 1) |
| Total Episodes | Approximately 353 |
| Special Finale Air Date | June 21, 2026 at 7:50 PM |
| Finale Episode Title | The Baekban We Loved, 7 Years of Delicious Records |
| Restaurants Featured | 1,329 |
| Meals Documented | 2,131 |
| Special Guests Over 7 Years | 365 |
| Host | Heo Young-man (born June 26, 1947, currently age 78) |
| Reason for Ending | Host hospitalised after fall, currently in recovery |
What Happened to Heo Young-man
On June 17, 2026, Heo Young-man’s agency confirmed that the cartoonist suffered a fall approximately one month prior and required treatment in the intensive care unit. Following medical advice, he is now focusing entirely on treatment and recovery, with all external activities suspended indefinitely. The statement from his agency read:
“He is currently focusing on treatment and recovery following medical advice. Accordingly, he will suspend all external activities for the time being and take time to stabilise.”
After discussions between the production team and TV Chosun, both parties agreed to conclude Season 1 of the show in response to his condition. However, the production team has expressed hope for a potential Season 2 in the future, should Heo recover well enough to return. Nothing has been confirmed on that front yet.
Who Is Heo Young-man
For those less familiar with Korean pop culture, Heo Young-man is one of the most important figures in the history of Korean comics. Born on June 26, 1947, he launched his career in 1974 after winning a newcomer cartoonist contest at Hankook Ilbo with his work ‘Finding Home’. His career spans more than 50 years and includes some of Korea’s most iconic titles.
| Notable Work | Genre |
| Gaksital (Bridal Mask) | Historical action |
| Fly, Superboard | Comedy and fantasy |
| Beat | Youth drama |
| Tazza | Crime and gambling |
| Sikgaek | Food and human stories |
Several of these works were later adapted into hit films and dramas. However, it was his television food journey that introduced him to an entirely new generation of fans across South Korea. In a 2024 interview marking his 50th anniversary as a cartoonist, Heo reflected on his path by saying he never once wavered in his desire to draw, describing comics as the only thing he could think about from a young age.
What the Special Finale Covered
The June 21 finale, titled ‘The Baekban We Loved, 7 Years of Delicious Records’, served as both a retrospective and a tribute to everything the show achieved over its run. Here is what the special episode included:
- A return visit to the very first restaurant featured on the show, located in Gangjin, South Jeolla Province, which originally offered a lavish 17-course Namdo-style meal priced at just 8,000 won when the show debuted in spring 2019. That same meal now costs in the range of 12,000 to 15,000 won, reflecting how much has changed since the show first visited
- A follow-up on Perilla Oil Cold Noodles (Deulgireum Makguksu), a dish that became a nationwide sensation after the broadcast and continues to draw visitors today
- Coverage of the transformation of Mullae-dong Steel Alley, which has since become a popular destination for younger generations and experienced a significant commercial revival
- Surprise letters from restaurant owners who appeared on the show, sharing how the programme changed their businesses and their lives
- Revisited moments with the 365 special guests who joined the journey over seven years, including celebrities such as Psy, Kim Hee Sun, Sung Si Kyung, and Son Suk Ku, as well as political figures including President Lee Jae-myung
- A final on-screen message from the production team, reflecting on their 2,609-day journey and expressing wishes for Heo Young-man’s speedy recovery
The Show’s Legacy
‘Sikgaek Heo Young-man’s Baekban Journey’ did far more than document food. Over seven years and approximately 353 episodes, it shone a light on hidden local eateries, revitalised struggling commercial districts, and gave small business owners a platform that translated directly into customers and renewed hope. The production team described the show’s mission as not just introducing restaurants but elevating the value of Korean cuisine and sparking meaningful change for the people behind those kitchens.
TV Chosun addressed viewers directly in their statement, noting that the journey would come to an end as Heo Young-man approaches his 79th birthday, and that the special episode would help ease the disappointment felt by the show’s loyal audience. Fans across social media have responded with an outpouring of support, sharing favourite memories from the show and sending well wishes to the host as he continues his recovery.
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