Kim Ok-bin Struggles with Altitude Sickness on Jungle Food Show

In the latest episode of SBS's Jungle Food 2 (정글밥2 - 페루밥, 카리브밥), which aired on April 3, 2025, Kim Ok-bin faced challenges as she succumbed to altitude sickness while spending a day in the village of Misminay, located at an elevation of 3,718 meters in the Andes Mountains.

During the episode, Kim Ok-bin, along with fellow cast members Choi Daniel, Choi Hyun-seok, and Ryu Soo-young, sampled 'cuy,' a traditional dish made from guinea pig. After marinating the meat with spicy peppers and spices, they skewered it and roasted it in a stone oven, resulting in a dish that resembled a small rodent.

Despite their initial apprehension, having seen similar dishes in the Amazon, the group was soon captivated by the enticing aroma of the barbecue. Kim Ok-bin described the dish as 'very moist and flavorful,' while Choi Hyun-seok praised its thin and tender texture. Choi Daniel declared it the best food he had tasted in the Amazon.

Choi Hyun-seok exclaimed, 'It really tastes like chicken!' and Ryu Soo-young noted the resemblance in appearance, adding that the seasoning included ingredients like Cheongyang peppers, enhancing its flavor. Ryu Soo-young further elaborated that he expected different flavors from various parts of the meat but found them all reminiscent of chicken thighs.

As the group enjoyed the dish, Heo Young-ji admitted she was salivating, prompting DinDin to joke that they might be the only ones drooling over a guinea pig. Kim Ok-bin expressed that it was the most delicious thing she had eaten in Peru, while Choi Daniel compared it to a thinner, grilled version of pork skin.

Choi Hyun-seok prepared a meal for 20 people, stating, 'Since they eat a lot, I wanted to treat them to fine dining and showcase a dish I’ve never presented before.' He mentioned that while a restaurant typically accommodates 35 guests, they had 13 chefs on hand.

Ryu Soo-young, who assisted Choi Hyun-seok, shared his method for making galbi jjim (braised short ribs), explaining that he first stir-fries vegetables to impart a smoky flavor before adding soy sauce to create a rich sauce.

However, Kim Ok-bin was noticeably absent due to her ongoing battle with altitude sickness. Ryu Soo-young revealed that she had been feeling unwell since the previous day, and Choi Daniel expressed concern for her health, noting her pale complexion in the morning.

Kim Ok-bin confirmed her condition, stating, 'Yes, the doctor said it’s altitude sickness. That’s exactly what it is.' Choi Daniel reassured her not to worry, saying, 'We can manage without you,' to which Kim Ok-bin sincerely apologized, asking them to convey her regrets as she struggled with her symptoms.