On the upcoming episode of KBS 2TV's 'New Release Convenience Store', airing on the 3rd, a new chef with impressive skills that even leave Chef Lee Yeon-bok in awe will make an appearance. The star of the show is none other than Hyomin, a member of the iconic girl group T-ara, known for their mega-hit songs that have dominated both the domestic and Asian markets. Recently, Hyomin has transitioned into a businesswoman. She made headlines last year when she married a financial professional 10 years her senior.
According to reports, Hyomin's husband is Kim Hyun-seung, an executive director at Bain Capital's Korea office. Kim is said to be a key figure at Bain Capital, responsible for major deals and portfolio management.
Kim Hyun-seung graduated from Seoul National University with a degree in Industrial Engineering and joined Bain Capital in 2018 after stints at Bain & Company and Unison Capital.
In the VCR to be aired, Hyomin is seen busily preparing a private anniversary party for her husband, marking their first year of marriage. Before starting to cook, she pulls out three thick notebooks and meticulously reviews their contents. The notebooks reveal a shocking level of detail, containing not only recipes but also layouts for kitchen tools, sketches of each dish's presentation, and plans for table settings. Chef Lee Yeon-bok, upon seeing Hyomin's detailed plans, remarked, "This is something fine dining chefs do..." highlighting her extraordinary planning skills.
Hyomin, who spent a week planning, is preparing a 7-course Japanese meal, a first for 'New Release Convenience Store'. It turns out Hyomin holds a Japanese culinary certification. She skillfully slices radishes paper-thin and expertly fillets fish, among other advanced techniques. She also prepares various sushi, soba, tempura, and desserts, astonishing everyone.
Impressed by Hyomin's cooking skills, course composition, and plating, Chef Lee Yeon-bok commented, "She should compete on 'Black and White Chef'." Hyomin's debut as a chef with a Japanese culinary certification has left existing chefs on the show feeling the pressure. Her full Japanese course, 'Hyomin Dining', will be revealed on KBS 2TV's 'New Release Convenience Store' at 9:40 PM, following the 'Friday Night Baseball' broadcast.
By Yeji Ryu, TenAsia Reporter ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr