"Soft yet strong Chef Sam Kim, persistent Jeong Ji-seon, and capable Kwon Seong-jun"...Secrets of 'Undercover Chef' [Interview ②]

*This content was translated by AI.

• Interview with Hong Jin-ju PD and Yoon Al-eum writer of tvN variety program "Undercover Chef"

"Undercover Chef" Hong Jin-ju PD and Yoon Al-eum writer highlighted the remarkable qualities of chefs Sam Kim, Jeong Ji-seon, and Kwon Seong-jun.

Hong Jin-ju PD and Yoon Al-eum writer of tvN variety program "Undercover Chef" held a wrap-up interview on the 4th at the CJ ENM Center in Sangam, Mapo-gu, Seoul.

"Undercover Chef," which concluded after its 10th episode on the 23rd of last month, followed chefs Sam Kim, Jeong Ji-seon, and Kwon Seong-jun as they disguised themselves as rookies and worked undercover at restaurants in Parma, Italy; Chengdu, China; and Naples, Italy, respectively. Notably, the final episode achieved a record-breaking peak viewership of 6.2% (based on Nielsen Korea's national paid households), marking a triumphant conclusion. Jeong Ji-seon also topped the "Most Talked About Non-Drama Performer" category, setting multiple records along the way.

The charm of "Undercover Chef" lies in the unexpected mistakes made by veterans Sam Kim, Jeong Ji-seon, and Kwon Seong-jun, as well as their experiences navigating unfamiliar environments and people. In particular, Jeong Ji-seon faced challenges when the wok she was accustomed to differed from those used at the Chengdu restaurant, yet her unique persistence ultimately led her to master it, thrilling viewers with her determination.

Regarding this, PD Hong stated, "From the production team's perspective, it was entertaining, and many unexpected things happened. (In Jeong Ji-seon's case) each wok requires different muscles, so even trained muscles varied. While she knew the techniques, mastering the wok within five days must have been difficult, yet she truly impressed us."

Jeong Ji-seon also struggled the most with staff meals. This was due to the gap between the spicy flavors preferred in Chengdu and the dishes she prepared. Nevertheless, Jeong Ji-seon never gave up on the wok until the end. Although she failed the mission to get her dish added to the menu, her indomitable will left a deep impression.

Recalling Jeong Ji-seon's undercover period, writer Yoon said, "In fact, she had already cut her hand on the knife and suffered minor burns. The production team tried to take care of her, but she would refuse, saying, 'This is just part of the job.' Even during breaks, she never put down the wok and repeatedly challenged herself to create new dishes. It made me think, 'She truly deserves her position.'"

PD Hong added, "Jeong Ji-seon frequently said, 'I learned a lot.' In fact, admitting that there are areas one doesn't know is not easy for anyone. Yet Chef Jeong Ji-seon remarked, 'I'd even like to bring my own staff here. You've found a great restaurant.'"

Sam Kim, who went undercover at a restaurant in Parma, Italy, drew attention with his calm yet decisive demeanor. Above all, many viewers were impressed by his tireless efforts day and night, driven by the belief that he must not cause trouble to the local restaurant.

PD Hong commented on Sam Kim, "Even before filming began, (Sam Kim) had already started learning Italian. His notebook was completely filled. The production team always accompanied him on his way to work, and every day he prepared 'Hee-tae's One-Liner,' writing down in Italian what he wanted to say to the local restaurant staff that day. It made me think, 'This is why he succeeded.' Chef Sam Kim truly gave us a sense of being different."

Writer Yoon also praised Sam Kim, saying, "What impressed me most about Chef Sam Kim was his constant attentiveness to others. Even after rising above Lu and Sorem, who were the youngest in the restaurant's hierarchy, he continued to look out for them. It was truly heartwarming to see that Lu and Sorem did not feel offended by Chef Sam Kim's promotion. Chef Sam Kim mentioned that during his rookie days, his Achilles' heel was his timid personality, and it seems that trait hasn't changed. Yet within that, we saw a strong side."

PD Hong also agreed with writer Yoon, saying, "I too felt that Chef Sam Kim is tough. He is a person who is soft yet strong."

Meanwhile, Kwon Seong-jun stood out as a contestant with his unique overflowing confidence and self-assurance. In the particularly busy Naples restaurant, he quickly earned trust by fulfilling his duties efficiently.

Recalling filming with Kwon Seong-jun, PD Hong confessed, "I got scolded quite a bit. Even before departure, he told me, 'PD-nim knows nothing,' which made everyone laugh."

He continued, "(Kwon Seong-jun) had already anticipated that the filming would be extremely difficult. The Naples restaurant was so busy with reservations that (Kwon Seong-jun) worked nonstop until his cheeks turned red. Later, he even asked us, 'Did you arrange for these customers?' It made me think, 'He didn't win the 'Black and White Lisa2' competition at such a young age for nothing. He had every right to scold me.'"

Writer Yoon also added, "During the final filming days, there were many banquets at the Naples restaurant, so we had to work almost without a break. I truly felt that Chef Kwon Seong-jun is exceptionally capable."

The mission of "Undercover Chef" was for each of the three chefs to create their own dish and have it added as an official menu item at their respective restaurants. However, all three failed to achieve this mission by the end.

Regarding this, PD Hong explained, "While we thought adding a menu item would not be easy, we still hoped that at least one of them would succeed. In fact, we considered it nearly impossible for an outsider's dish to be added. However, I don't think whether they succeeded in the final mission was a major issue for our program. The five days each chef spent at their respective restaurants were more important."

The moment when the contestants' identities as veteran chefs were revealed is also unforgettable. When Sam Kim, Jeong Ji-seon, and Kwon Seong-jun disclosed their true identities, the restaurant staff reacted in various ways. From the production team's perspective, there must have been many considerations regarding how to reveal their identities and how the deceived individuals would respond.

When asked about this, PD Hong said, "We were quite worried about how to explain it if the restaurant staff felt uncomfortable." However, he added, "Since the chefs had built relationships with the staff over five days, there was no negative reaction. The identity reveal itself took place on the last day of filming, so it likely mixed emotions such as surprise, shock, and regret. After filming concluded, Chef Sam Kim stayed at the restaurant for a while to converse with the staff."

In particular, Antonio, a senior staff member at the local restaurant who learned of Kwon Seong-jun's identity, drew attention. His reaction seemed confused upon discovering that Kwon Seong-jun, whom he had thought was merely a beginner, was actually a star chef.

Regarding this, PD Hong shared, "Antonio suddenly became awkward and hesitant. It seems all his emotions were poured into that moment. Fortunately, everyone understood the purpose of our program. They even considered it a special event in their own lives."

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*This content was translated by AI.