Japanese Model Shiho Yano Explores Korean Traditional Liquor with 'Black and White Chef 2' Star Yoon Ju-mo

Japanese model Shiho Yano, known for being the wife of Choo Sung-hoon, recently met with Yoon Ju-mo, a popular figure from Netflix's variety show 'Black and White Chef 2', to express her deep affection for Korean traditional liquor and share behind-the-scenes stories related to the show.

On her YouTube channel 'Shiho Yano', a video titled 'Shiho Yano Excited to Learn Makgeolli from Yoon Ju-mo, the Master of Makgeolli' was uploaded.

In the video, Shiho Yano meets Yoon Na-ra, who gained popularity by reaching the final seven on 'Black and White Chef 2' as a liquor-making contestant. Shiho Yano revealed, "I don't usually enjoy alcohol, but I have a special fondness for makgeolli," adding that she always pairs it with Korean pancakes after her schedule in Korea, showing her unique interest in traditional Korean liquor.

The two continued their cheerful atmosphere by making makgeolli and pancakes together. During the cooking process, Shiho Yano jokingly expressed concern about Yoon Na-ra's intuitive ingredient use, which humorously conveyed her admiration for Yoon's skilled cooking despite her limited Korean language skills. After tasting the strawberry makgeolli prepared by Yoon Na-ra, Shiho Yano couldn't hide her amazement, saying it was "a taste on a different level from ordinary liquor," and expressed satisfaction while tasting the completed pancakes and makgeolli.

During their conversation, Shiho Yano shared that 'Black and White Chef' is also gaining popularity in Japan and asked Yoon Na-ra about her participation background. Yoon Na-ra revealed that she joined the show through direct application rather than being cast by the production team, which caught attention. Initially hesitant, Yoon Na-ra decided to participate after her youngest sibling's encouragement, citing her mindset as the key to her success in the cooking competition. She shared that she approached the competition with the determination to perform impressively rather than just advancing to the next stage.

Yoon Na-ra, who has a unique background as a graduate of Seoul Institute of the Arts' Film Department, emphasized the importance of storytelling. She explained, "It's essential to have a narrative that can persuade the judges, not just the taste of the food," and expressed her desire to revive the disappearing profession of 'jumo' by asking to be called a jumo rather than a boss or chef. Shiho Yano resonated deeply with Yoon Na-ra's spirit of challenge, recalling her own past when she started her modeling career through self-application.

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