Paik Jong-won: The People’s Chef and Business Visionary
Paik Jong-won is a household name in South Korea. He rose to fame through TV shows like Paik’s Cuisine and Street Restaurant, where he shared approachable cooking tips with viewers. Known for demystifying recipes and focusing on simple yet delicious meals, Paik has become a bridge between professional cooking and home kitchens.
He also runs The Born Korea, a multi-franchise company operating popular eateries such as Saemaeul Sikdang, and Hanshin Pocha. Paik’s philosophy revolves around making cooking accessible, encouraging aspiring chefs, and expanding the reach of Korean flavors domestically and abroad THE BORN.
Interesting Fact: Paik’s love for food began as a necessity—his father, a notoriously picky eater, would only enjoy meals Paik prepared, compelling him to experiment and refine his cooking from a young age.
In addition to his culinary achievements, Paik has actively promoted local economies, investing in rural areas like his hometown, Yesan, to support struggling businesses. His efforts to blend cooking with community development have made him both a culinary expert and a philanthropist.
Sung Jae Ahn: The Michelin-Star Chef Redefining Korean Cuisine
Sung Jae Ahn, a Korean-born chef with global credentials, is among the few to receive the coveted Michelin 3-star rating. Ahn operated Mosu Seoul, a fine-dining restaurant that pushed the boundaries of traditional Korean cuisine by combining classical Korean elements with modern culinary techniques.
Interesting Fact: Before embarking on his culinary career, Ahn served in the U.S. military and even completed a tour in Iraq. He credits his time in the army with developing both his discipline and humility, traits that he carries into the kitchen.
Ahn’s latest venture was as a judge on Netflix’s The Hungry and the Hairy Chef, where lesser-known “underdog” chefs challenged more renowned culinary figures in a competitive setting. His precise critiques and insights provided a unique dynamic, especially alongside co-judge Paik Jong-won.
While Ahn’s previous restaurant has now closed, he continues to share his culinary philosophy and vision through social media and pop-up events, all while planning new ventures.
These two chefs exemplify different yet complementary aspects of Korean culinary culture. Paik is beloved for his role in making cooking accessible and supporting local communities, while Ahn represents the fine-dining world, bringing Korean cuisine to the global stage with elegance and precision. Together, they showcase the diversity and richness of modern Korean food culture.
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