Lee Jung-jae Channels 'Squid Game 2' Energy While Working at a Dried Pollack Farm

Actor Lee Jung-jae rolled up his sleeves for some hands-on work, hanging dried pollack and peeling potatoes at a traditional farm in Daegwallyeong.

On the April 27 episode of tvN’s Fresh Off the Sea 2 (언니네 산지직송2), Lee Jung-jae joined actresses Yum Jung-ah, Park Joon-myun, Lim Ji-yeon, and Lee Jae-wook for a special guest appearance, diving into the rural lifestyle.

The members' mission was to hang pollack (hwangtae). One batch required stringing up 120 fish on a wooden frame. Splitting into two levels among the workers, the members quickly blended in and started the job.

Suddenly, a loud voice shouted, "No, you can't hang them like that! Freeze!" Startled, the cast turned to see none other than Lee Jung-jae, who had been quietly working at the site since the morning. He greeted everyone warmly.

Meeting Lee Jung-jae for the first time, Park Joon-myun said, "It’s truly an honor. I never imagined our first meeting would be here — at a pollack farm!" Yum Jung-ah jokingly requested, "Please help me hang these," playfully referencing Lee Jung-jae’s hit Squid Game 2 line to everyone's laughter.

As the work continued, the members found their rhythm and picked up speed. After a short break with steamed buns and potato dumplings, they returned to work. Watching Lee Jung-jae silently concentrating, Lee Jae-wook and Park Joon-myun commented, "We’re so used to seeing him in sharp tuxedos — it’s surreal seeing him here in work clothes hanging pollack."

Lim Ji-yeon added, "Isn't this your first real variety show, sunbae-nim? How does it feel going from international promotions to hanging fish in Gangwon-do?"

Lee Jung-jae smiled and replied, "Actually, I’m flying to Milan this Sunday," nonchalantly highlighting his busy, star-studded schedule.

Thanks to Lee Jung-jae’s help, the team managed to finish six full batches of hwangtae quickly. Altogether, the members hung 38 batches — an impressive 4,560 fish — and earned 152,000 KRW (about 110 USD) in wages for their day's work.

Returning to their lodging, the members changed into cozy floral quilted jackets and immediately got to work preparing dinner: traditional pork bone soup (gamjatang).

They efficiently split tasks like boiling pork bones and radish greens, making hand-torn noodles, and lighting the fire.

Observing the hectic pace, Lee Jung-jae asked, "What is even happening? Why is everyone so busy?" To which Lim Ji-yeon cheekily replied, "I warned you — don’t even dream of sitting still today." Looking for a job, Lee Jung-jae ended up peeling potatoes and cucumbers.

As the pork bone stew simmered and the freshly grilled hwangtae was served, the group gathered around to enjoy a hearty, well-earned meal together, closing out the day on a warm, lively note.

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