Son Jong-won, ‘Culinary Class Wars’ chef that IVE’s Jang Won-young and chaebol heirs line up for
Jang Won-young, left, and Lee Joo-young with ChefSon Jong-won / Captured from social media of each
One Instagram post was all it took to send Korea’s foodie fandom into a frenzy.
IVE star Jang Won-young recently revealed that she visited the restaurant of celebrity chef Son Jong-won, instantly igniting fresh buzz around the rising culinary star who has become one of the hottest names in Korea thanks to Netflix’s hit reality show “Culinary Class Wars” Season 2.
On Monday, Jang shared photos from her visit, tagging Son and posing with a large bouquet of roses while showcasing the restaurant’s upscale dishes. A dessert plate carried a playful handwritten message that read, “Wishing you another lucky year,” a phrase that sent fans flooding the comments with reactions like “The vibe is so good,” “So aesthetic” and “Now I have to go too.”
Jang Won-young / Captured from Jang's social media
Son’s restaurant has quickly turned into a celebrity magnet. Influencer Lee Coco, who rose to fame on the dating reality show “Transit Love,” also posted photos from the same venue, calling it her go-to place for special occasions. “Every time I eat here, I think it’s the best — and somehow it keeps getting even better,” she wrote, sharing a smiling photo of Son holding a bouquet she gave him. She added, “Thank you for accepting my flowers, chef,” openly showing her admiration.
Lee Coco, right, with Son Jong-won / Captured from Lee's social media
Influencer Lee Joo-young, known online as the fourth-generation heir of the Daelim Group, also visited Son’s restaurant, posting a photo of herself standing beside the chef with the caption, “Eatanic is the most delicious.”
The chef’s influence has even reached the corporate elite. Hyundai Card Vice Chairman Chung Tae-young shared his own visit, praising Son’s food and personality. “The dishes are Michelin two-star level or higher,” Chung said. “Most chefs at that level are serious and intimidating, but Son Jong-won welcomed me with a warm smile. His character is just as impressive as his cooking.”
Son Jong-won / Xportsnews
Son has seen his fame skyrocket since appearing on the Netflix series "Culinary Class Wars," where chefs from different backgrounds compete for culinary supremacy. His personal social media account has already surpassed 500,000 followers, and with idols, influencers and chaebol heirs lining up to eat at his restaurant, the hype shows no sign of cooling down.
This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.