Korean Culinary Queens Jeong Ji-seon and Lee Moon-jung Spice Up 'Problematic Men' with Fiery Wit

Korean culinary stars Jeong Ji-seon and Lee Moon-jung, known as the 'strong sisters' of the Chinese cuisine world, took over the rooftop with their fiery wit on the latest episode of KBS2's 'Problematic Men Season 2'.

The episode, which aired on the 26th, featured the duo, who gained global popularity through the 'Black and White Chef' series. Jeong Ji-seon, dubbed the 'Queen of Chinese Cuisine', and Lee Moon-jung, known as the 'Witch of Chinese Cuisine', were the special guests.

From the moment they appeared, Jeong and Lee captivated the audience with their unique presence. Jeong, dressed in a crisp white suit, humorously shared, "I've never been thin. When I appeared on 'Please Take Care of My Refrigerator' with Chef Park Eun-young, all the comments were about my size, not my cooking." Kim Jong-kook added to the humor by comparing her outfit to that of Choo Sung-hoon. Meanwhile, Lee was noted for her resemblance to actresses, earning nicknames like 'Shin Eun-kyung' and '1-second Lee Young-ae', which led to more laughter as Jeong expressed mock frustration.

The two chefs showcased their close friendship, revealing that they rely on each other in the male-dominated world of Chinese cuisine. Jeong described Lee as her "mental support" during tough times, while Lee praised Jeong as an "undeniable junior".

Lee also shared that her appearance on 'Black and White Chef 2' was thanks to Jeong's recommendation. "My daughter used to ask for Jeong's autograph, but now her friends ask for mine," she said, highlighting her rising fame. She humorously recounted the aftermath of her elimination from the show, admitting, "I waited for a revival round that never came, which was quite a blow."

The episode included cooking-related quizzes, such as 'The Mistake of Su Dongpo that Led to Dongpo Pork' and 'Why Chef Choi Kang-rok's Side Dish Shop Closed in Six Months', while also delving into the chefs' culinary journeys.

Jeong and Lee shared their struggles in the industry, where female chefs are rare. Jeong noted, "Less than 10% of chefs in Chinese cuisine are women. There were times I wasn't allowed in the kitchen, and there was a belief that women couldn't handle the grill."

Lee echoed the sentiment, saying, "There are almost no female chefs in hotels. It took me about 10 years to get to the wok." Jeong recounted her challenges, including being treated as invisible despite her credentials, and the assumption that she would quit after marriage and children.

Both chefs emphasized their perseverance and determination in overcoming these obstacles. Jeong revealed, "I worked until the day before giving birth to avoid career interruption. I arrived two hours early every day to finish my tasks and learn from my seniors."

Lee shared, "I had to endure with sheer willpower, convincing myself I wasn't a woman. I studied hard to have an edge over others, which became my weapon." Kim Sook expressed admiration for their dedication.

Jeong also shared amusing anecdotes from her experience as a restaurant owner, including a staff member calling in sick due to excessive drinking and job applicants bringing their parents to interviews. Yang Se-chan humorously suggested such individuals would be perfect for the comedy world.

Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr