'Undercover Chef' Sam Kim, Jung Ji-sun, and Kwon Seong-joon: The Reason They Became the Youngest Again [★FULL Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

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

Hong Jin-ju PD and Yoon Al-eum writer, who sent star chefs Sam Kim, Jung Ji-sun, and Kwon Seong-joon to Italy and China as part of 'Undercover Chef', shared various behind-the-scenes production stories.

Recently, Hong Jin-ju PD and Yoon Al-eum writer of tvN's variety program 'Undercover Chef' met with StarNews at the Seoul Mapo-gu Sangam CJ ENM Center for a wrap-up commemorative interview.

The program 'Undercover Chef', which concluded after 10 episodes on the 23rd of last month, followed chefs Sam Kim, Jung Ji-sun, and Kwon Seong-joon as they disguised themselves as the youngest employees at restaurants in Parma, Italy; Chengdu, China; and Naples, Italy, respectively, while concealing their identities to complete missions. Notably, the final episode achieved a peak viewership of 6.2% (based on Nielsen Korea's national paid households), breaking its own record and concluding successfully. Jung Ji-sun also topped the list for most talked-about non-drama participants throughout the broadcast period, generating continuous public interest.

Hong PD and Yoon writer, who achieved significant milestones including a threefold increase in viewership compared to the first episode and 10 consecutive weeks at the top of their time slot, jointly stated, "We haven't fully felt or realized the high viewership and popularity. The numbers seemed unbelievable, making us wonder, 'Is this correct? Did we misread it?'"

The story of star chefs taking on the role of the youngest employee began with the production team's concerns while planning a new program late last year. Hong PD stated, "While developing concepts, I felt we had to deliver something 'real' to satisfy discerning viewers. Above all, we needed a program that allowed for deep immersion—not just for the audience, but also for the cast members themselves."

She continued, "Initially, we considered hosting a talk show using health functional foods or creating a dating program after reading an article about K-food being consumed in incorrect forms overseas. We then thought, 'What if we take chefs to restaurants?' It wasn't particularly novel, but we began pondering whether sending them undercover as the youngest employees might work."

The three restaurants in Parma, Chengdu, and Naples captivated viewers with their unique characteristics and atmospheres. Regarding the restaurant selection process, Yoon writer said, "The most important factor was 'taste.' The production team visited numerous restaurants to taste the same menu items. While this process wasn't easy, we had a strong desire to find places that would be both enjoyable and educational for the participating chefs."

Hong PD also recalled, "There were many factors to consider: taste, staff personalities and tendencies, customers, kitchen systems, etc. The stage where we put in the most effort was precisely selecting the restaurants. Initially, the restaurant owners were not welcoming. They were wary of strangers coming to film, and I would have felt the same way. In Chengdu, the owner's niece and daughter were highly suspicious. Parma was similar. We worked hard to build rapport."

Yoon writer added, "We initially only considered filming at a restaurant after observing how the kitchen operated. After building some familiarity, we requested permission to install just one camera to observe the restaurant. From then on, we observed and analyzed each restaurant in nanometer-level detail before making the final selection."

So, what process led Sam Kim, Jung Ji-sun, and Kwon Seong-joon to decide to become part of 'Undercover Chef'? Hong PD explained, "'Undercover Chef' was a program that required extensive learning even for the production team. Since we needed to understand the culinary ecosystem and restaurant operations, our initial plan was to seek advice from many experts."

She continued, "Recruitment came later. We developed the program by consulting with numerous individuals, ranging from hidden masters who avoid the spotlight to rookie chefs. Among them, Chef Sam Kim, Jung Ji-sun, and Kwon Seong-joon were highly curious about our program and shared their experiences as kitchen juniors in an entertaining way," she added with a smile.

Yoon writer conveyed the cast's reaction: "When we asked them how they felt about hiding their identities and entering foreign restaurants as the youngest employees, they all said it would be fun. We thought that if it wasn't enjoyable for both the restaurant and the undercover cast members, it would be difficult for everyone."

The charm of 'Undercover Chef' lies in the process where veterans Sam Kim, Jung Ji-sun, and Kwon Seong-joon make unexpected mistakes or adapt to unfamiliar environments and people. In particular, Jung Ji-sun faced challenges because the wok she was accustomed to differed from those used at the Chengdu restaurant. Despite this, her unique persistence ultimately led her to master the wok, thrilling viewers.

Regarding this, Hong PD stated, "From the production team's perspective, it was entertaining, and many unexpected events occurred. (In Jung Ji-sun's case) different muscles are used for each type of wok, so even trained muscles varied. Although she knew the techniques, mastering the wok within five days must have been difficult. She was truly remarkable."

Jung Ji-sun also struggled the most with staff meals due to the gap between the spicy flavors preferred in Chengdu and her own cooking style. Nevertheless, she never gave up on the wok until the end. Although she failed the mission to feature a menu item, her indomitable will left a deep impression.

Recalling Jung Ji-sun's undercover period, Yoon writer said, "In fact, she had already cut herself with a knife and suffered minor burns during filming. The production team tried to take care of her, but she would refuse by saying, 'This is normal.' Even during breaks, she never put down the wok and repeatedly challenged menu creation. We thought, 'She didn't reach this position for nothing.'"

Hong PD shared Jung Ji-sun's reaction: "She said many times that she learned a lot. Admitting there are areas one doesn't know is not easy for anyone, but Chef Jung Ji-sun even said, 'I want to bring my own staff here too. You found a great restaurant.'"

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

Hong PD commented on Sam Kim: "Even before filming began, (Sam Kim) had already started studying Italian. Her notebook was completely filled. The production team always accompanied her on her way to work, and every day she prepared 'Hee-tae's One Line'—preparing in advance what she wanted to say to the local restaurant staff in Italian that day. We thought, 'This is why she succeeded.' Chef Sam Kim truly gave us a sense of being different."

Yoon writer also praised Sam Kim: "What impressed me about Chef Sam Kim was her constant attention to others. Even after rising above Lu and Sorem, who were at the bottom of the restaurant's hierarchy, she continued to look out for them. It was truly heartwarming to see Lu and Sorem not upset by Chef Sam Kim's promotion. Chef Sam Kim mentioned that her Achilles' heel during her time as a junior was her timid personality, which seemed unchanged. Yet, we saw great strength within that."

Hong PD also agreed with Yoon writer's words: "I also had the impression that Chef Sam Kim is strong—a gentle but powerful person."

Meanwhile, Kwon Seong-joon stood out as a cast member with his characteristic overflowing confidence and self-assurance. He quickly earned trust by fulfilling his duties in the particularly busy Naples restaurant. Hong PD recalled filming with Kwon Seong-joon: "I got scolded a lot. Even before departure, he told me, 'PD-nim knows nothing,' which made us laugh."

She continued, "(Kwon Seong-joon) had already anticipated that the filming would be extremely difficult. The Naples restaurant was so busy with reservation guests that (Kwon Seong-joon) worked nonstop until his cheeks turned red. Later, he even asked us, 'Did you arrange for these customers?' It naturally 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.'"

The mission of 'Undercover Chef' was for each of the three chefs to create their own menu and have it added as a regular item at their respective restaurants. However, all three ended up failing the mission.

Regarding this, Hong PD explained: "While we thought adding a menu wouldn't be easy, we still hoped that at least one person would succeed. In fact, we considered it nearly impossible to add a stranger's menu. However, I think whether the final mission succeeded or not wasn't a major issue for our program. The five-day process each chef spent at their restaurant was more important."

The moment when the cast members' identities as veteran chefs were revealed cannot be overlooked. When Sam Kim, Jung Ji-sun, and Kwon Seong-joon disclosed their true identities, the staff at each restaurant reacted in various ways. From the production team's perspective, there must have been many considerations regarding how to reveal the identities and how the deceived individuals would react.

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

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

Regarding this, Hong PD shared: "(Antonio) suddenly became awkward and hesitant. It seemed like all his emotions were poured out. Fortunately, everyone understood the purpose of our program. They considered it a special event in their own lives."

Having concluded successfully, 'Undercover Chef' has confirmed the production of a spin-off to respond to viewers' love. The spin-off will feature chefs from the restaurants where Sam Kim, Jung Ji-sun, and Kwon Seong-joon went undercover as juniors visiting Korea.

Hong PD stated: "All the overseas senior staff find our current situation and popularity fascinating. Since restaurant work is their livelihood, closing the shop entirely to come would be burdensome. While we need to discuss which members will visit and when, it is scheduled for broadcast later this year."

Yoon writer added: "I heard that many Korean customers are visiting Italian restaurants these days. The three chefs have also become very close with their restaurant seniors, so they are greatly looking forward to the visit."

Furthermore, Hong PD expressed gratitude to viewers: "If possible, I want to bow to every single viewer. When we started this program, there were many question marks. Since it was an unprecedented format, we questioned whether this approach was correct or even permissible. I am someone who prefers certainty and maintaining the status quo, so realizing that taking risks is acceptable was a grateful experience."

She continued: "I believe 'taste' can vary depending on the evaluator and timing. In that context, removing their titles to participate in the program must not have been an easy decision. I am also grateful to the three chefs—Sam Kim, Jung Ji-sun, and Kwon Seong-joon—who willingly participated."

Yoon writer also conveyed sincere thanks to viewers: "This was a highly worrying program. Since almost no Korean was heard, we worried whether anyone would watch variety shows with subtitles intently and what would happen if viewers couldn't concentrate. We are truly grateful for the immense interest shown."

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*This content was translated by AI.