Ahn Sung-jae, the celebrated chef known as the 'principles chef', made waves with his emotional appearance on the MBC program, "Questions of Sohn Seok-hee," aired on March 11, 2025. During the interview, Ahn reflected on his career, including his remarkable achievement of receiving three Michelin stars upon returning to Korea, which moved him to tears.
The episode showcased Ahn's candidness as he discussed his background, starting from his childhood days as an immigrant to the United States. Upon being asked about his experiences, Ahn beamed, "I wanted to receive such questions and came to this program." This desire for genuine dialogue highlighted Ahn's commitment to discussing the principles he values as a chef.
Ahn's participation on the show was particularly timely as he prepares for the second season of "흑백요리사" (Black and White Chef), where he serves as one of the judges alongside the well-known culinary figure, Baek Jong-won. Throughout the interview, the host, Sohn Seok-hee, elicited Ahn's thoughts on various topics, including some of the challenges he faced along the way.
Reflecting on the moment when he received his Michelin stars, Ahn visibly choked up, demonstrating how deeply this accomplishment impacted him. His emotional response was palpable, especially as he spoke about the exhilarating moment of recognition and the responsibilities it brought. This humanity shines through as he shared, "These questions brought back memories of my experiences, and I feel grateful to revisit them."
The chemistry between Ahn and Sohn was evident, particularly when the discussion turned to the collaboration on the judging panel for "흑백요리사". Light-hearted banter ensued when Ahn humorously remarked about Baek's different standards as he said, "I have to practice martial arts diligently to harmonize with Baek Jong-won," eliciting laughter from the audience.
The show delves not just deep culinary discussions but also broader issues surrounding fine dining and the associated financial burdens it can impose on consumers. Ahn and Sohn candidly discussed the challenges faced by fine dining establishments, making for insightful and engaging television. It's these frank dialogues about cost versus quality and the expectations of high-caliber cuisine versus its accessibility to the everyday diner, which stood out.
"Questions of Sohn Seok-hee" is not just about culinary arts; it navigates various societal topics, from the political climate reflecting on the country's direction to cultural conversations relevant to its viewers' everyday lives. Ahn's reflections serve as powerful reminders of dedication and passion as the culinary world continues to evolve.
Viewers of the program, scheduled originally to air at 9 PM, witnessed Ahn deliver his narrative filled with authenticity and passion, which is expected to resonate strongly with eager audiences. The insights and heartfelt moments shared on this talk show encapsulate the trials and triumphs of one of Korea's preeminent chefs.
Overall, Ahn Sung-jae's appearance on MBC's "Questions of Sohn Seok-hee" captured not only his professional milestones but also revealed the deeply personal elements of his culinary philosophy, success, and the values he holds dear as he continues to navigate his career. It reminds us all of the importance of principles, sincerity, and the human connection behind the artistry of food preparation.