Chef Kim Si-hyun Shines on Netflix's 'Black and White Chef 2' with Michelin Experience and Unique Journey

Chef Kim Si-hyun, known by the nickname 'Baby Beast' on Netflix's variety show 'Black and White Chef 2', has captivated audiences by revealing his impressive Michelin-starred career and a school life story that seems straight out of a comic book.

The YouTube channel 'Calm Man', hosted by Calm Man himself, featured a video titled 'Baby Beast & Milan Taste Pizza Special'.

In the video, Chef Kim Si-hyun and Chef Kwon Sung-joon, the winner of 'Black and White Chef' Season 1 and a Naples Mafia chef, shared various stories.

Despite his young age, Kim Si-hyun has worked at prestigious Michelin-starred restaurants in Korea, including 'Kwon Sook Soo' (2 stars), 'Bicena' (1 star), 'Gaon' (3 stars), and 'Solbam' (1 star), showcasing an 'elite course' career path that left many in awe. Chef Kwon Sung-joon praised Kim's resume, stating, "He has worked at the most famous Michelin restaurants in Korea."

Reflecting on his journey to becoming a chef, Kim Si-hyun shared that he originally aspired to pursue art but became disillusioned with the rigid structure of entrance exam art. He recalled a pivotal moment when his mother asked, "Are you happier when drawing or cooking?" to which he answered cooking, leading to a change in his career path. Notably, his story of establishing an after-school cooking class during middle school to gain admission to the elite Korea Culinary Science High School drew admiration.

To earn extra points for entrance exams, Kim Si-hyun needed to complete cooking classes. He tracked down a teacher from his elementary school who promised to hold a class if he gathered ten students. Kim then proposed to his friends, "Let's make tteokbokki," and successfully organized the class, showcasing his passion. Calm Man remarked, "It sounds like the beginning of a Japanese drama," expressing intrigue.

During the broadcast, Kim Si-hyun recreated his 'Bangpung Herb and Crab' dish from 'Black and White Chef 2', demonstrating his culinary skills. Chef Kwon Sung-joon praised the dish, saying, "The flavors are very dimensional, and the pairing of alcohol and herbs is fantastic."

Kim Si-hyun expressed relief that his intentions were well conveyed to judge Chef Ahn Sung-jae during the competition. He also shared his ambition to open a Korean wine bar where seasonal herbs and natural wines can be enjoyed. Additionally, he raised viewers' expectations by stating he would gladly accept an offer to appear on 'Please Take Care of My Refrigerator'.

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