‘Culinary Class Wars’ Chef Jung Ji-sun Gives Tough Advice to Yeo Min: “Why Expect Everything Handed to You?”
On TV CHOSUN’s “With Father and Me”, chef Yeo Kyung-rae meets with his son Yeo Min and rising star in Chinese cuisine, Chef Jung Ji-sun. In the early 2000s, when few students pursued Chinese cuisine, Jung studied abroad in China and met Yeo Kyung-rae there.
At the time, Yeo Kyung-rae helped Jung Ji-sun, who was struggling to find employment as a female chef, lay the foundation for a career in Chinese cuisine. Yeo Min, who started working in the kitchen with Jung Ji-sun as a child, is also a close friend of hers. He greeted her warmly, “It’s been a while.”
However, Jung Ji-sun didn’t hold back. “You really went too far,” she said, gearing up for some straight talk. Responding to Yeo Min’s grievances toward his father, she stated, “When you think of your dad, so many Chinese cooking techniques come to mind. Did you ever try to learn them? Why do you just sit there waiting for him to do everything for you? You have to take the first step.” She expressed her frustration that despite having such a talented teacher so close, Yeo Min hadn’t been proactive in learning.
Jung Ji-sun continued, “People call me a ‘star chef’, but that didn’t just happen. I’m the type who worked for it. You know, shrimp is in 80% of Chinese cuisine—but I’m allergic to shrimp.” Despite this critical disadvantage, she overcame it through sheer determination and turned a weakness into strength. Hearing this, Yeo Min reflected “It made me look back on myself” and hinted at a shift in attitude.
Later, during the restaurant’s break time, Yeo Min hesitated but finally approached his father. “I’ve prepared everything for authentic Sweet and Sour Shrimp… I was wondering if you could show me the recipe,” he asked cautiously. To his surprise, Yeo Kyung-rae responded warmly, “Sure, let’s do it.” Yeo Min, visibly excited, said, “I didn’t think he’d teach me so easily, so I was shocked when he immediately agreed.”
Their touching exchange reminded viewers of the power of mentorship, initiative and honest communication.
