BTS Jin's appearance on Half-Star Hotel in Lost Island episode 16 breaks viewership records, claims top spot on Monday night TV

The recent episode of Half Star Hotel in Lost Island, featuring BTS' Jin has shattered television records, becoming the highest-rated variety show currently airing on Mondays. While the show has always been popular, the BTS member's appearance in the past two episodes has sparked a remarkable increase in both ratings and viewership.

According to Nielsen Korea’s report released on August 27, 2024, the show's 16th episode, released on August 26, achieved a nationwide viewership of 5.3%, leading among all Monday programs. Fans attribute this surge to Jin's return to the entertainment scene after 18 months of military service, much to everyone's delight.

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Jin's participation in Half Star Hotel in Lost Island acquires its all-time best rating

Half Star Hotel in Lost Island is currently enjoying its highest rating of all time. With a rating of 5.3%, it beat the shows Lovers of Joseon, which has a current rating of 4.6%, and Oh Eun Young's Report, which has received 4.5%.

Talking about this 16th episode, "CEO Ahn" Ahn Jung-hwan, BTS’s Jin, B1A4’s Sandeul, Kim Nam-il, and the chef duo Lee Yeon-bok and Lee Hong-woon traveled to a new island as candidates for the second branch of their project. Ahn Jung-hwan selected a candidate site on an island in the West Sea, known for its global top-five tidal flats, considering the variety of foods and natural experiences available.

Unlike the first branch, which required fishing according to the tide, this site was a “24-hour natural seafood market” where fishing could be done whether the tide was in or out.

Upon arriving on the island, Ahn Jung-hwan and his team set out to test the availability of ingredients by going fishing. While making his own fishing rod, The Astronaut singer confidently declared:

“I’m going to catch tuna.”

Although Ahn Jung-hwan didn’t believe his claim of having caught tuna before, he still helped the BTS star by adjusting his fishing rod.

The group then ventured out to sea on a raft, first reaching a spot where they could set up a fish trap. Next, they arrived at a location suitable for clam fishing. With clearer waters than the previous day, they anticipated good results.

Jin, who initially attempted to fish from the raft, joined the clam fishing team after finding the water too shallow. Brimming with enthusiasm, he scoured the rocks and managed to catch a sea cucumber, marking his first successful catch. The clam fishermen also found a spot rich in conchs, validating the potential of the second branch site.

The island also had a mountain. While the chefs set up the kitchen, Ahn Jung-hwan and his team went on a mountain exploration. Ahn, showcasing his experience in the wild, was the first to find a medicinal herb, deodeok, in the history of the show. Inspired by this, Jin and Sandeul also collected deodeok.

Chef Lee Yeon-bok welcomed the workers back with new ingredients and prepared conch hand-pulled dough soup for breakfast. He also suggested that Jin, his prized student, make spicy conch deodeok salad. Together, they skillfully prepared a well-balanced meal, with the refreshing and spicy flavors of the soup and salad, delighting everyone. Chef Lee Yeon-bok even praised Jin’s dish, saying:

“It’s like being at a famous restaurant in Jongno.”

Afterward, Chef Lee used the gathered ingredients to test new menu items. He proposed making "K-Pizza Dongjukjeon" for Jin, who is known to be a pizza enthusiast. They decided to stir-fry clams and noodles to create "Chinese-style Vongole pasta" and fry crab as a dish requested by Sandeul.

The scene where Lee and he sat side by side preparing the ingredients with perfect knife skills captivated the audience. The BTS star successfully made the Dongjukjeon, from kneading the dough to the difficult task of flipping it, completing it perfectly on his own.

As they enjoyed their meal, everyone was impressed by the balance of flavors and textures. Jin’s first wild-cooked dish, Dongjukjeon, even won over Ahn Jung-hwan, known for his picky palate. In response, he playfully suggested:

“Please invite me back as a chef.”

This left the possibility open for his return to the "half-star" deserted island as a chef.

Finally, the BTS hyung gave the island a rating of 4.8 out of 5, commenting:

“The variety of dishes made from the tidal flat ingredients and the fun experiences were great.”

All eyes are now on whether this captivating island will be chosen as the site for the second branch.

As Jin is poised to appear further on the show, the anticipation and excitement keep on building among fans as well as the show's producers.