Chef Sung Anh, Who Won a Star in the Michelin Guide Seoul 2019 : KOREA24

Summary

In this insightful interview, Chef Sung On discusses his inspiring journey from Korea to becoming a Michelin-starred chef in San Francisco before returning to Seoul. He shares his diverse experiences, including military service and growing up in a restaurant family, which shaped his culinary perspective. Chef On emphasizes the importance of dedication, hard work, and the influence of strong mentors in his career. His decision to return to Korea was motivated by a desire for family balance, despite initial skepticism from peers. Now, he focuses on providing exceptional dining experiences at his restaurant, Mosu, while considering future opportunities.

Takeaways

• 🎉 Chef Sung On expresses gratitude for receiving a Michelin star, emphasizing the significance of recognition for hard work.
• 🌍 Chef Sung On's diverse background includes moving from Korea to California, serving in the military, and being influenced by different cultures.
• 🍽️ Growing up in a family running a Chinese restaurant, Chef Sung On faced skepticism but received support from his parents in pursuing a culinary career.
• 🚀 Chef Sung On highlights the importance of perseverance and dedication in the culinary industry, as many aspiring chefs drop out due to its challenges.
• 🏆 He worked at prestigious establishments, including the French Laundry, and attributes his success to the mentorship he received throughout his career.
• 🔍 Chef Sung On's journey includes taking risks, such as moving to a Moroccan restaurant despite having no prior experience with Moroccan cuisine.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The decision to return to Korea was driven by a desire to prioritize family while maintaining a successful culinary career.
• 📈 Chef Sung On emphasizes that despite his success, he focuses on the present and delivering an excellent experience for each guest at his restaurant.
• 🌟 He remains committed to his cooking roots, actively engaging with guests rather than stepping away into media or celebrity chef roles.
• 🔮 Chef Sung On has future plans for Mosu in Seoul but prioritizes guest experience over immediate expansion or franchising opportunities.

Q & A

What achievement did Chef Sung On receive in 2019?

Chef Sung On was awarded a star in the Michelin Guide Seoul's 2019 selection, marking a significant recognition of his hard work.

What influenced Chef Sung On's decision to pursue a career in cooking?

Chef Sung On's early exposure to the culinary world through his parents' Chinese restaurant and his experiences traveling and serving in the military sparked his interest in cooking.

How did Chef Sung On's military service impact his culinary career?

His military service allowed him to travel and experience different cultures, which enriched his perspective and inspired his cooking.

What challenges did Chef Sung On face when starting his culinary career?

Chef Sung On faced challenges in securing a position at prestigious restaurants, initially working for free to gain experience, and overcoming skepticism from others about his career choice.

What was Chef Sung On's experience at the French Laundry?

Chef Sung On worked at the French Laundry for over two years, where he learned from esteemed mentors and further developed his skills as a chef.

Why did Chef Sung On choose to return to Korea after establishing himself in San Francisco?

Chef Sung On returned to Korea to be closer to his family and to achieve a better work-life balance, despite the risks involved in leaving a successful restaurant in San Francisco.

What philosophy does Chef Sung On have regarding his role as a chef?

Chef Sung On emphasizes the importance of dedication, hard work, and maintaining a connection with guests, prioritizing their experience over future ambitions.

What are Chef Sung On's future aspirations for his restaurant Mosu?

While he has plans for the future, Chef Sung On is currently focused on providing exceptional experiences for each guest at Mosu, without rushing into expansion.

How does Chef Sung On feel about the evolution of the culinary profession in recent years?

Chef Sung On appreciates the recognition chefs receive today, noting that it has become easier for talented chefs to gain visibility and success compared to previous generations.

What unique culinary experience does Chef Sung On bring to his role?

Chef Sung On combines his multicultural background and experiences from various culinary traditions, including Moroccan cuisine, to create unique dishes that reflect his diverse influences.