Lee Chan-won Gets Emotional Over Love Songs on 'Newly Released Menu Restaurant'

On the December 13 episode of KBS2's Newly Released Menu Restaurant (신상출시 편스토랑), Lee Chan-won shares a heartfelt moment as he prepares nourishing food at home before an important performance. During the episode, he reveals that he recently cried while listening to a particular song, sparking curiosity among viewers.

In the broadcast, Lee Chan-won is seen making a traditional fish soup, showcasing his culinary skills with ease, which earned him the affectionate title of 'MZ Grandma' from fans. While cooking, he hums a tune and admits, "I got so lost in this song that I ended up in tears the moment I heard it." The song that moved him was "The Prayer" (사랑의 찬가), performed by pop icon Celine Dion during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite battling a terminal illness, Dion's powerful performance resonated deeply with audiences worldwide.

Lee Chan-won elaborates on the emotional impact of the song, referencing its original artist, Édith Piaf, and her poignant love story, stating, "This song was created with deep emotion. It's based on a true story." His emotional recounting prompts chef Lee Yeon-bok to jokingly ask, "Did you break up with someone?" leaving viewers wondering about his response.

He further reflects, "I feel like I haven't experienced that kind of passionate love yet. I haven't felt the kind of longing that makes you feel like you can't live without that person, or the kind of love that brings you to your knees in the face of separation..." He shares examples of what he considers 'fiery love,' which reportedly brought laughter to the studio.

Additionally, Lee Chan-won has revealed that he participates in over 30 events each month, with an estimated fee of 28 million KRW per event, suggesting that his monthly earnings could reach approximately 840 million KRW.