In the Tcast E Channel 'Student Chef, Oh Nam-seon,' Yoon Kyun-ho, who embodies an ordinary 'K-dad' while studying cooking abroad, is gaining more love as he evolves into 'Yoriping.' He displayed humility by noting viewer interest, saying, 'I can't believe I'm in vogue,' while revealing his secret to popularity, mentioning, 'I tried to approach things with the most comfortable mindset.'
Airing every Saturday at 5:20 p.m. on E Channel, 'Student Chef, Oh Nam-seon' features Liu Su-young, Yoon Kyun-ho, and Monsta X's Kihyun as they experience local cuisine and add their personal twist to create new 'study recipes.' Yoon, who studied cooking in Portugal, showcased his new charms alongside a natural presentation of 'Yoon Kyun-ho,' receiving a positive response from viewers. Inspired by the local meal bread 'francesinha' from his first cooking study destination, Porto, Yoon created the so-called 'Budaekine Bread' filled with the flavor of budae jjigae. The 'Budaekine Bread' gained explosive popularity at the 'Ryu Nam-saeng' pop-up store in Yeouido's The Hyundai Seoul. His more advanced menu is expected to be unveiled at the second 'Brunei Pop-up,' which will be operated at Hyundai Department Store in Pangyo starting June 21.
'Enjoying my time in the kitchen,' he unlocked the true capabilities of 'Yoriping,' and shyly revealed that after finishing his studies and returning home, he cooked for the children with new recipes. Additionally, Yoon expressed gratitude to his 'study mates' Liu Su-young and Kihyun, stating, 'I hope viewers enjoy watching the growth of the three of us as the show progresses.' Below is a Q&A with Yoon Kyun-ho.
Q. Besides cooking practice, what was your most significant preparation for your cooking study?
- I tried to approach things with the most comfortable mindset. I thought showing my most natural self, while experiencing an unfamiliar environment and fulfilling the given missions as they were, would provide the viewers with enjoyment. It was 'K-dad's cooking study,' in the simplest terms.
Q. I'm curious how many new recipes you’ve created in this program, both unofficially and officially, and whether there are recipes that are easy to replicate in Korea or ones you had to give up on. What were the reasons?
- I prepared a total of three recipes per country, making about nine in total. Most of the menus I prepared are easy to follow. My goal was to create recipes that anyone could easily make, as I had little cooking experience.
The dish I had to give up on was the very first one I made, the 'Bacalhau (cod) egg soup.' I thought of making it like Hwangtae Haejang-guk. My knowledge of cooking was lacking, and it was the first day of studying, so I couldn't eliminate the fishy smell because I was also unfamiliar with Bacalhau. I would like to try it again.
Q. You've tasted and learned many dishes; if you were to serve someone, who would you want to serve, and what dish would you offer?
- Naturally, I made dishes thinking of my family. However, I found that my taste was strangely becoming spicy. Ha ha. After returning, I developed another new recipe for my children, which was like a pudding steamed egg with fried breadcrumbs on top of a pie, inspired by a dish I had in Brunei. I received help from Liu Su-young for that recipe.
Q. You undertook the challenging mission of 'not being able to return home without completing a new recipe' in an unfamiliar foreign land; was there any episode during filming that made you grateful for one another?
- In Brunei, I challenged myself with a dish made from the unfamiliar ingredient 'Ambuyat' in a rice roll. It was a powder that changes shape like slime when kneaded with hot water, and I almost failed to complete the recipe because I didn’t fully understand the nature of the dish. I remember being very grateful for the help from Su-young. Kihyun quietly provided strong support when we needed help with shopping or translation, or when I was struggling with time while cooking. I was very thankful.
Q. In 'Student Chef, Oh Nam-seon,' have you discovered any talents or aspects of yourself that you didn’t know about?
- I don't feel like I have any special talent, but I came to think a lot about how 'cooking is more fun than I expected and time in the kitchen is enjoyable.' Furthermore, fears about cooking have disappeared, and I feel a sense of challenge, wanting to try cooking with 'difficult ingredients' like fish.
Q. You've become popular through the drama 'The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call.' Do you think you can also be a hit in the new field of ‘cooking’? There were statements like 'I am Oh Nam-seon,' and are you considering competing with Liu Su-young in cooking?
- A hit? That's not even close. I've joked around with Su-young and made some audacious remarks, but I've actually learned a lot by observing how remarkable he is in the cooking field. Instead, I think I’ll become an even bigger fan of 'Oh Nam-seon' from now on.
Q. Finally, please say a few words to the viewers!
- Thank you for enjoying 'Student Chef, Oh Nam-seon.' I hope you will enjoy watching the growth of the three of us as the show progresses!
A food world tour featuring Liu Su-young, Yoon Kyun-ho, and Kihyun of 'The Food Brothers Who Know Cooking' presented by TAE KWANG CORPORATION's media affiliate Tcast! 'Student Chef, Oh Nam-seon,' which involves eating, learning, and completing cuisines from around the world, airs every Saturday evening at 5:20 p.m. on E Channel. Additionally, reruns are broadcast every Monday night at 9 p.m.
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