Legendary Korean Chef Hu Deok-juk Shines in 'Black and White Chef 2'

Renowned Korean-Chinese cuisine legend, Chef Hu Deok-juk, recently shared his experiences on the popular show 'Black and White Chef 2' and reflected on his illustrious culinary journey.

The YouTube channel 'JoongAng Ilbo' featured a video titled '76-Year-Old Chinese Cuisine Legend Does Menial Tasks... Chef Hu Deok-juk on Black and White Chef 2'.

In the video, Chef Hu, who has avoided media exposure for decades, explained that he decided to participate in 'Black and White Chef 2' after much deliberation, hoping to inspire younger chefs. What he initially thought would be a brief appearance turned into a longer commitment than expected.

One of the most talked-about moments on the show was when the oldest chef, Hu Deok-juk, quietly took on tasks usually reserved for the youngest, such as mincing garlic and pickling melons. Chef Hu emphasized the importance of every role in the kitchen, stating, "Just as not everyone can be a striker in soccer, the role of a defender is crucial."

His legendary skills were on full display during the 'Carrot Hell' episode. Chef Hu showcased five impromptu carrot dishes, immersing himself in the joy of cooking despite the grueling schedule that lasted until dawn. His 'Carrot Jajangmyeon', which involved steaming carrots for five minutes to retain their texture and mixing miso paste with black bean sauce, received high praise. Although he was confident about reaching the finals and had prepared ingredients for his signature 'Buddha Jumps Over the Wall', he expressed regret at not being able to present a new style of the dish.

Chef Hu's journey to success was not without its challenges. Orphaned at a young age and separated from his siblings, he spent his teenage years moving between friends' homes. After high school, he began his culinary career doing menial tasks in hotel kitchens. Despite being repeatedly rejected, he persistently sought a position at a top-tier Chinese restaurant, eventually securing a spot and enduring a grueling unpaid apprenticeship. He also recalled having a wedding without family due to societal prejudices against chefs at the time.

Joining the Shilla Hotel as a founding member, Chef Hu made history in 1994 as the first kitchen staff to be promoted to executive director. His creation of 'Buddha Jumps Over the Wall' in 1987 revolutionized hotel Chinese cuisine in Korea, playing a pivotal role in Shilla Hotel's rise to industry leader. In 1995, former Chinese President Jiang Zemin praised his cooking as superior to authentic Chinese cuisine, an anecdote that remains legendary in the industry. Today, Chef Hu continues to passionately uphold the pinnacle of Korean-Chinese cuisine.

By Chaeryeong Lim, TenAsia Reporter syjj426@tenasia.co.kr