Chef Woo Jung-wook Opens Up About Personal Struggles and Culinary Journey on YouTube

Chef Woo Jung-wook, known for her exceptional culinary skills on Netflix's 'Black and White Chef: Culinary Class War' Season 2, has shared her touching personal story and the behind-the-scenes of her appearance on the show.

The YouTube channel 'Unhateful Attention Seeker Sister,' run by broadcaster Lee Ji-hye, released a video titled 'Chaebol Family Cooking Teacher Black and White Chef Seoul Mom Gimbap Recipe First Reveal (Super Simple, Chef Woo Jung-wook).' In the video, Woo Jung-wook explains how she earned the nickname 'Seoul Mom' despite not having children. Originally, she considered the name 'Seoul Chic' due to her family's four-generation roots in Seoul, but the production team suggested the current nickname. Woo Jung-wook confessed, "I cried every day for 15 years because I didn't have a child, but suddenly everyone started calling me Seoul Mom, and it moved me deeply. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be on the show just for that name."

Woo Jung-wook's journey to appearing on the show was not easy due to her husband's strong opposition. He was concerned about the potential negative comments she might face by stepping into the public eye at a later age. However, Woo Jung-wook secretly attended the audition, driven by her desire to challenge herself and bring energy to viewers. She only informed her husband about her participation three days before filming. Interestingly, the 'Seoul Banquet' menu she showcased on the program was her husband's idea, highlighting their complex yet supportive relationship. Woo Jung-wook, who often describes her husband as a comrade due to their childless life, credits his active support for her successful return to broadcasting.

Despite being labeled as a cooking teacher for prestigious families in areas like Daechi-dong and Apgujeong, Woo Jung-wook expressed discomfort with such titles. She aims to create a space for enjoyable interaction with everyone, not just a specific class. She requested, "Please remove the prestigious family title," while attributing her popularity among chaebol families like Samsung to her universal yet precise seasoning. Woo Jung-wook also shared her secret sauce recipe and demonstrated her 30-year expertise by teaching a mini gimbap recipe, emphasizing thinly spread rice.

Lee Ji-hye, who tasted Woo Jung-wook's gimbap, was amazed by the deep flavor achieved with minimal ingredients. Woo Jung-wook's story of transforming the pain of infertility into a warm nickname has touched many fans, solidifying her presence as more than just a chef.

Reporter Chaeryeong Lim, Ten Asia syjj426@tenasia.co.kr