In a delightful blend of food and entertainment, South Korean celebrity Song Hae-gyun is making waves both online and on-screen with his culinary passions. As a popular figure in Korea's gastronomic circles, his recent activities are igniting excitement among fans and food lovers.
Song Hae-gyun has leveraged his YouTube and Instagram platforms to share insights about his favorite restaurants, which has endeared him to audiences across generational lines. Notably, his participation in Netflix's trending show, Tanoshimi no Kuni no Gourmet, has reignited interest in local dining culture, showcasing the dishes he adores and the places where he enjoys them.
“I introduce various izakayas and eateries on my YouTube channel,” Song explained. “The restaurants I talk about are the so-called 'ossan gourmet' spots. Unfortunately, chic cafes or popular bakeries that young people flock to are not included. But I know those inexpensive and delicious old-school establishments inside out.”
While sharing his favorite eateries may initially have felt daunting, Song expressed that seeing fans enjoy his recommendations shifted his perspective. “I was hesitant at first because I wanted to keep those hidden gems to myself. But when people tell me they loved the places I suggested, it feels rewarding. It reminds me of creating good songs for others to enjoy.”
His culinary journey took a professional turn when he was invited to co-host the cooking show Kyo wa Nani Taberu? alongside comedian Shin Dong-yup. This experience opened his eyes to the joy of cooking. “I had never cooked much before; I mostly ate out or ordered delivery. But this show changed everything,” said Song.
Through the show, which invites famous chefs to share recipes, Song developed his cooking skills by applying what he learned. By taking notes and practicing at home, he has built a varied repertoire of dishes over the past year.
In a recent appearance on another YouTube channel hosted by Matsumoto, Song prepared classic Korean dishes like chijimi and kimchi, showcasing his improved skills and passion for cooking. “All our conversations were in Japanese, but we had Korean subtitles,” he mentioned, encouraging his Japanese audience to tune in.
Interestingly, the release of the movie Kodoku no Gourmet, which Matsumoto directed, scripted, and starred in, is also generating buzz. The film premiered in South Korea on March 19, 2025, following its initial screening at the Busan International Film Festival in October 2024. The film tracks the main character Goro Inogashira, played by Matsumoto, on a quest for a long-forgotten soup recipe.
“I feel like I'm loved in Korea, especially with the younger audience finding it entertaining. I want to bring smiles to everyone who enjoys my work,” Matsumoto stated during a screening event.
As the lead actor, director, and writer of Kodoku no Gourmet, Matsumoto has actively promoted the film through various television appearances in Korea. His character’s fondness for solo meals resonates deeply with Korean viewers, particularly young men.
However, Matsumoto's promotional tour hasn't been without controversy. During his guest appearance on the popular variety show Employees, a comedic exchange with fellow guest Kim Won-hoon raised eyebrows. Matsumoto repeated phrases in Korean directed at him, such as, “I love you, Son Heung-min,” a popular Korean soccer player.
Critics objected to the light-hearted tone of this interaction and labeled it as disrespectful. Kim's attempt to make Matsumoto say, “Asada Mao is better than Kim Yuna” generated discomfort among viewers.
Some expressed their discomfort on social media, arguing that it undermined Matsumoto's status as a respected veteran actor. Comments included sentiments like, “This kind of teasing feels disrespectful, especially given Matsumoto's long career,” illustrating the fine line between comedic banter and cultural sensitivity.
In response to the backlash, Matsumoto chose to remain upbeat, navigating the criticism with professionalism while expressing dedication to fostering goodwill between Japan and Korea. He has expressed a desire to directly connect with audiences, highlighting a shared cultural exchange through food and entertainment.
As both Song Hae-gyun and Matsumoto continue to navigate their respective pathways, their stories are interwoven within the larger cultural dialogue between Korea and Japan. The shared enthusiasm for food and storytelling exemplifies the potential for unity through laughter and mutual appreciation.
Amid their ongoing culinary adventures and artistic expressions, these personalities remind us of the universal joy that food brings, transcending borders and generations. The heart of their stories resonates deeply, encouraging audiences to explore their own gastronomic journeys.
