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Lunch With Sumiko
South Korean celeb chef Choi Hyun-seok leads the global rise of Korean cuisine
Famous in South Korea for years, Choi Hyun-seok has seen his popularity grow globally, thanks to his appearances on Netflix. He tells Sumiko Tan why he doesn’t like following the crowd.
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Chef Choi Hyun-seok, who was in Singapore in September to promote a collaboration with Bulgogi Syo, a Korean barbecue restaurant chain, admits to being "scared of spicy food”.
ST PHOTO: GAVIN GOO
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Even if Choi Hyun-seok weren’t a celebrity chef, he would still stand out in a crowd. Towering at 1.9m, his posture is ramrod straight and there’s a faintly theatrical air about him. It’s probably part instinct, part habit, honed by years in front of television cameras.
This presence comes to life during our photography session. Chest puffed out, arms folded, then planted firmly on his hips, he stares into the camera with a half-smirk playing on his lips. It’s a commanding aura that has helped make him one of South Korea’s most famous chefs.
