Chef Shin Gye-sook Reveals Her Grueling Journey on KBS2's 'The Boss Has Donkey Ears'

Chef Shin Gye-sook, known as the 'Black and White Chef,' makes a guest appearance on KBS2's 'The Boss Has Donkey Ears,' where she candidly shares, "My first salary was 300,000 won. I've even had a finger severed."

KBS 2TV's 'The Boss Has Donkey Ears' (directed by Choi Seung-hee) is a self-reflective program where bosses in South Korea strive to create a more enjoyable workplace. The previous episode achieved a peak viewership rating of 4.2%, maintaining its position as the top variety show in its time slot for 193 consecutive weeks, according to Nielsen Korea.

In the upcoming episode airing on the 22nd, Jeong Ji-seon visits Chef Shin Gye-sook, the 'Chinese Cuisine Rebel,' with her juniors. With 39 years of experience, Chef Shin is a matriarch in the Chinese culinary world and left a strong impression with her 'Pork Belly Performance' on 'Black and White Chef.' The episode will highlight the 10-year friendship between Jeong Ji-seon and Chef Shin. Chef Shin reveals, "Ji-seon recommended me for 'Black and White Chef,' convincing me that female chefs should also shine." She humorously admits, "But I came home too early," referring to her early elimination. Chef Shin also shares that her sales increased by 20% after appearing on the show, showcasing her special bond with Jeong Ji-seon.

During the episode, Chef Shin opens up about her challenging early days in the culinary world. She surprises everyone by revealing, "My first salary was 300,000 won." Despite being a college student, she endured living and working in a Chinese restaurant for eight years. Jeong Ji-seon adds, "My first salary was 700,000 won," leaving the younger staff in awe. Chef Shin then shares a shocking story of severing her finger while preparing meat, yet she continued working with just a bandage for a month. She recalls, "When I went to the hospital, they said my nerves and arteries were completely severed," adding, "But all chefs go through this. Ji-seon, show your hands."

When Jeong Ji-seon shows her unscathed hands, Chef Shin praises, "Your hands are so beautiful," only to learn that Jeong Ji-seon had also suffered a severe injury, requiring 30 stitches after her hand got caught in a machine. Jeong Ji-seon admits, "Even now, my hands tremble when I stand in front of a machine," evoking sympathy. Chef Shin humorously adds, "My fingers are crooked now. So when I tell my students to go right, they go left," lightening the mood. Kim Sook comments, "The kitchen is truly a scary place. It's clear why they've succeeded," expressing admiration for the two chefs.

Additionally, Chef Shin's signature dish, 'Palbo Duck,' will be showcased. As Jeong Ji-seon struggles with the duck preparation, leaving it full of holes, Chef Shin jokes, "What is this? The wind will blow right through those holes," causing laughter. Chef Shin's 'Palbo Duck' and her delightful humor can be seen on the full broadcast of 'The Boss Has Donkey Ears.'

KBS 2TV's 'The Boss Has Donkey Ears' airs every Sunday at 4:40 PM.

Reporter Kim Ji-won, TenAsia one@tenasia.co.kr