This is how Chef Yeo Kyung-rae (64) recalls his elimination moment on “Culinary Class Wars“. While everyone was too tense to laugh, he laughed alone, lightening the mood for everyone around him in what could have been an uncomfortable situation. It was a moment when you could feel the “dignity of a master”.
Chef Yeo Kyung-rae, who started his culinary career at the age of 14, has now been wielding the wok for 50 years. He has served as the president of the Korean Chinese Cuisine Association for 10 years and is a master of Chinese cuisine. He has also judged numerous prestigious cooking competitions. When he announced his participation as a contestant on Netflix’s “Culinary Class Wars”, many were surprised, thinking, “He has nothing to gain unless he wins.” However, while others were concerned, Chef Yeo saw it as an opportunity for learning. In an interview with Munhwa Ilbo on Oct 3rd, he downplayed any pressure, saying, “I didn’t feel burdened; I just thought it would be fun. Since many talented chefs were participating, I thought I could learn something from it.”
Chef Yeo was eliminated in a 1:1 match against “Self-Made” with a score of 0:2. Judge Baek Jong-won, who had judged the dishes blindly, was so shocked by the result that he was left speechless. Yeo, however, humbly accepted the outcome with a smile, saying, “The younger chefs should take over.” Self-Made, overwhelmed with emotion, bowed deeply to him. Yeo said, “Since I started my career as a self-made man, I chose to compete against him. That young man must have felt incredible joy, which made me even prouder. When I saw Baek Jong-won jump out of his seat, I realized ‘He’s really surprised’ and found it quite amusing.”
Chef Yeo, who says he has no regrets about appearing on “Culinary Class Wars”, expressed his satisfaction that the show has reignited interest in cooking and chefs and has improved public perception. Without a break, he is now a judge on SBS’s variety show “Decision to Pass It On”, helping to find the next generation of culinary talent. His focus on supporting his disciple Park Eun-young (Goddess of Chinese Cuisine) during “Culinary Class Wars” was particularly impressive.
“I heard that the restaurants of the 100 chefs who appeared on ‘Culinary Class Wars’ are now fully booked. People want to try my restaurant too, but reservations are hard to come by. Usually, this kind of fame lasts about three months. The restaurant industry is struggling a lot right now, so I hope this popularity doesn’t come and go quickly, but lasts long and steadily. I’m proud to see all the chefs working together to make the most of this golden opportunity.”
Source: Daum
