"Space Rice Cake Shop" Episode 2 Ratings 3.0%... Ranked 1st in the Same Time Slot, Cast's Hard Work and Business Success

The tvN variety show ’Universe Rice Cake Shop’ recorded a rise in viewership ratings in its second episode. The second episode, aired on the 7th, depicted Lee Eun-ji, Mimi, Lee Young-ji, and Ahn Yu-jin adapting to running the rice cake shop. On that day’s broadcast, the nationwide household average rating was 3.0%, with a peak of 3.7%. In the metropolitan area, the average rating was 3.1%, peaking at 4.0%, securing first place in the same time slot on cable and general programming channels for two consecutive weeks. The nationwide average rating rose by 0.1 percentage points compared to the previous week. Before opening, Lee Eun-ji, Mimi, Lee Young-ji, and Ahn Yu-jin arrived at Universe Rice Cake Shop Earth Branch No. 1 and performed a business opening ritual. Lee Young-ji said, ″Even if we fight, let’s fight in front of the cameras; even if my pants fall off, let it be on screen, and no matter what conflicts, competition, or pain we face, I hope we can overcome it,″ as she bit into an apple placed on the ritual table. The members learned how to make garaetteok for tteokbokki, jeolpyeon for the spicy pollack clam star dish, and baeksulgi for the chestnut tiramisu, and experienced the difficulties of running the rice cake shop by cleaning various equipment. Lee Young-ji reflected, ″I’m sorry for saying I’d pull the rice cake. It was just a passing comment. I thought no one would take me seriously.″ During the final check through a soft opening, Lee Eun-ji was shown politely handling complaints from the production team. On opening day, various situations unfolded, such as Lee Young-ji and Lee Eun-ji competing over aprons when arriving at work, and a storm blowing into the kitchen, disrupting the household chores. When no customers came to the store, a staff strike broke out after Lee Young-ji criticized Ahn Yu-jin’s photography, and Lee Young-ji continued promoting the store alone. Lee Eun-ji and Ahn Yu-jin expressed frustration toward the owner who was focused on business. Lee Young-ji confided in Mimi, saying, ″I’m the main and the boss, but am I weird for scolding the people taking photos during opening hours? Am I being a strict boss?″ Mimi gave advice on managing staff. Later, Lee Young-ji eased the atmosphere by giving aprons to the two and complimenting them. However, when Mimi told her to stay in place in the kitchen, she was flustered, saying, ″You told me to catch it before.″ Mimi kept slicing jeolpyeon even though no orders had come in, and Lee Eun-ji and Ahn Yu-jin received their first reservation customers. Mimi succeeded in business with her captivating speech. With the support of the village chief, the hall was fully booked, and business continued with waiting customers.