Ahn Sung-jae, the chef who gained remarkable popularity as a judge on Netflix's 'Hype Boy Scout: Cooking Battle', recently appeared on MBC's 'Question Marks' where he openly discussed his life, experiences, and future plans, displaying moments of vulnerability and nostalgia.
During the episode aired on March 11, 2025, Ahn shared deeply personal insights, recounting his childhood memories of immigrations to the United States and the arduous path he navigated to become a celebrated chef. "I wanted to receive such questions, so I appeared on this program," he stated, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to reflect on his past.
Rather than the polished persona seen on 'Hype Boy Scout', Ahn exhibited moments of honesty and vulnerability, particularly when he recalled the significant achievement of receiving three Michelin stars after returning to Korea. This memory brought him to tears, highlighting the emotional weight of his culinary victories. He stated, "I’m focusing on evolution, not just maintaining previous standards," emphasizing his commitment to progress and improvement rather than resting on his laurels.
Ahn's culinary career has been multifaceted; after high school, he undertook military service before entering culinary school, showcasing his dedication to the craft. His upcoming participation as a judge alongside renowned chef Baek Jong-won for the second season of 'Hype Boy Scout' is highly anticipated. When asked how the duo would harmonize their differing culinary standards, Ahn humorously replied, "I have to practice fighting hard," eliciting laughter from the audience.
His recent ventures also include joining MBC's music project 'Good Day' on March 9, 2025, led by Zico. Ahn expressed his rationale for joining the project, saying he sympathized with the intention of creating positive influences through collaboration with others. He remarked, "I am not doing other work yet; I think of myself as someone delivering taste and emotion through food," reiterasing his commitment to his culinary profession.
Ahn Sung-jae's impact as a culinary celebrity has also extended to the digital sphere, as he launched his YouTube channel 'Chef Sung Anh' recently. Within months, the channel has surpassed 400,000 subscribers with content showcasing his journeys through cooking, narratives surrounding dishes, and interactions with fans. The channel features five full-length videos and 17 short clips, with each video garnering over one million views.
Looking forward, Ahn's restaurant 'Mosu Seoul' is set to reopen on March 22, 2025, after undergoing extensive renovations. The esteemed fine-dining restaurant, recognized with three Michelin stars, has undergone significant changes following the termination of its partnership agreement last year, which led to its closing. Ahn noted during his interview on 'Good Day' the importance of reinventing the dining experience, saying, "I’m focusing on evolution, not just maintaining previous standards. "; he aims to bring something even more special to his patrons.
His intentions and focus on food purity have garnered him respect and encouragement from fans and peers alike. Unlike many of his fellow chefs, who have embraced media appearances and ventures after the success of 'Hype Boy Scout', Ahn's approach remains grounded. His commitment to refining his culinary skills first and foremost is lauded by audiences who appreciate his authenticity.
The culinary scene eagerly awaits Ahn Sung-jae's return to his restaurant and his continued participation on 'Hype Boy Scout' where he aims to inspire and bring joy through his culinary expressions. The dual pursuits of operating his restaurant and being on television reflect his dedication to both culinary excellence and positive societal impact.