Karina breaks 'Ujutteokjip' all-time sales record on her first day

Ujutteokjip set an all-time sales record on the first day of operations at its Seoul store, with aespa member Karina joining the cast as a part-time worker.

Episode 8 of tvN's Ujutteokjip, which aired Friday, captured the crew successfully wrapping up their first evening of business at the Seoul location, powered in large part by Karina's strong showing as a new hire.

As regulars Lee Eun-ji, Mimi, Lee Young-ji and Ahn Yu-jin kicked off the first evening shift at the Seoul store, Karina joined them as a part-time staffer. After completing her first task — preparing a pomegranate ade — without a hitch, she went on to handle floor service, table clearing, dishwashing and restocking supplies, proving a reliable reinforcement for her colleagues as they scrambled to keep up with a flood of orders.

Trained by Ahn Yu-jin, who plays the strict supervisor, Karina was sent to the kitchen first and tasked with making the pomegranate ade. As she methodically worked through the drink, Lee Eun-ji marveled, "Your hands move like someone who's actually worked a part-time job before," and heaped praise on the capable new recruit.

Even when an order slip was accidentally discarded and a customer's order went missing amid the chaos, Karina handled the situation with composure and drew further praise. Lee Eun-ji was so taken with her that she asked, "Rina, can't you just sleep over at our place tonight?"

Fueled by Karina's efforts, Ujutteokjip posted an all-time high of 1.082 million won ($784) in sales on its opening day at the Seoul store.

On the second day of business, regular Lee Eun-ji made her bartending debut, drawing attention with a non-alcoholic cocktail called "Goheung Bada Margarita," inspired by the blue waters of Goheung.

Yang Hee-eun, a devoted fan of the Ppyongppyong Jigu Orakshil series from which Ujutteokjip spun off, also visited the Seoul store at the cast's invitation. Lee Eun-ji greeted her warmly, snapping photos at the photo zone and walking her through the menu with genuine care.

balme@heraldcorp.com