Veteran cartoonist, food TV host Huh Young-man goes on hiatus over health concerns
Cartoonist and television personality Huh Young-man, 78, is suspending all public activities due to health concerns. Captured from his social media
Veteran cartoonist and television personality Huh Young-man, 78, will suspend all public activities due to health concerns, including his nationally beloved food program, “Huh Young-man’s Food Travel,” which features trips across the country and introducing viewers to local restaurants for the past seven years.
The production team behind the TV Chosun food travel show announced Wednesday that the program will conclude its first season and go on hiatus due to concerns over Huh’s health.
“With Huh’s health as our top priority after years of working without pause, we have decided to bring the season to a graceful close and take a break,” the production team said.
Huh's agency also released a statement, noting Huh had recently developed a health issue and is currently focusing on treatment and recovery on the advice of his medical team, and that he plans to suspend all public activities for the time being and take time to rest.
Huh started his career as a cartoonist in 1974 with “In Search for Home” and went on to create a string of nationally acclaimed works, including “Gaksital,” “Oh! Han River,” “Tajja” and “Sikgaek,” establishing himself as one of Korea’s most celebrated cartoonists.
In 2022, he received the Bogwan Order of Cultural Merit in recognition of his contributions to Korean culture.
Huh Young-man / Captured from his social media
Since 2019, Huh has hosted the television program in which he visits neighborhood restaurants across the country and explores the meaning and value of good food through humble local meals.
Numerous stars, including Son Suk-ku, Kim Hee-sun, SeeYa, Song Ga-in and Seo Yea-ji, have appeared on the program and joined Huh on his culinary journeys.
On the same day the program’s hiatus was announced, Huh shared photos he had taken with guests over the years, along with a brief message: “It has been a wonderful journey.”
The production team announced it will air a special episode this Sunday to look back on the program's seven-year journey and offering fans a chance to revisit some of its most memorable moments.
“The episode will bring back vivid highlights featuring the 365 guests who shared meaningful moments with the show, along with Huh Young-man’s standout appearances,” the production team said. “It will also take an in-depth look back at the value of the 2,131 meals he personally sought out across the country.”
Fans filled the comments on Huh’s social media post with messages wishing him a healthy return.
“I hope you make a full recovery soon and that we get to see you again,” one fan wrote. Others added, “‘Huh Young-man’s Food Travel’ was my regular mealtime companion. I’ll be waiting for its return,” and “I hope you come back in good health.”
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.