Quick access to main page (top) Direct access to main contents Quick access to main page (bottom)

From NYU to Michelin Stars: Chef Edward Lee’s Unlikely Path to Success

TV Report Views  

tvN
tvN
tvN

Chefs Kwon Sung Jun and Edward Lee recently appeared as guests on tvN’s You Quiz on the Block. During the episode, Kwon Sung Jun shared his experiences studying in Italy, while Edward discussed his journey to becoming a chef despite graduating from New York University at the top of his class.

Kwon Sung-Jun, known as the “Napoli Mafia” and the winner of the Netflix cooking competition Culinary Class Wars, explained that after graduating from a hotel culinary program, he decided to study in Italy.”After serving as a cook in the military, I felt the urge to pursue Western cuisine, which led me to Italy. I was captivated by the charm of Naples and began working at a Michelin 2-star restaurant,” he said.

tvN
tvN
tvN

He added, “During that time, I struggled with communication and was the only foreigner on the staff. The work was extremely demanding; I often worked six days a week for 16 hours a day, sometimes surpassing 100 hours a week. Consequently, I lost 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds) in just a month. Looking back, I believe my skills improved significantly during that period.”

During Culinary Class Wars, Kwon Sung Jun showcased his fluent Italian and remarked, “Many people wondered if I was born in Naples or if I had lived there for about ten years, but in reality, I was there for only a year and a half. Despite the short duration, my passionate interest likely earned me the nickname Napoli Mafia.”

tvN
tvN
tvN

Following Kwon Sung Jun, Edward Lee, who finished as the runner-up in Culinary Class Wars, has a distinctive background as a graduate in English literature from the esteemed New York University. Graduating at the top of his class, he confessed, “To be honest, I didn’t want to go to college. I wanted to jump right into cooking, but growing up with Korean parents, I always heard that I needed to graduate. So, I attended NYU. While my primary passion is cooking, I also have a love for reading and writing.”

After graduating from NYU, Edward began his culinary career washing dishes in a restaurant. He reflected, “The life of a Korean American is quite unique. When my family immigrated to the U.S., we were really poor, so everyone worked hard. Sometimes, that life felt challenging, but I embraced all the difficulties and aimed to create beautiful dishes from those experiences.”

Edward also reflected on his invitation to be the chef for the state dinner at the White House in 2023. He said, “That moment was significant for me, but it was an even bigger moment for my mother. She proudly shared it with everyone. In fact, I believe that moment was more for her than for me, considering how many sacrifices she made to raise us. I was so happy to be able to give her such an experience.”

TV Report
content@www.kangnamtimes.com

Comments0

300

Comments0

[ENTERTAINMENT] Latest Stories

  • Rain Gets Real About Claustrophobia and Fame During Iconic Asia Tour
  • Park Jin Young Surprises with 'DiCaprio Vibes' in New Music Video
  • Divorce Drama Unfolds as Choi Dong Seok Posts Cozy Family Moment
  • K-Pop Divorce Gets Messy: Yulhee Files for Mediation Over Kids and Assets
  • Soyul's Honest Q&A: Marriage Myths, Parenting Joys, and Family Life
  • 2NE1’s Park Bom Brings Back Her Signature Voice in New Drama Soundtrack 'I Want U Back'

Weekly Best Articles

  • Volvo’s Electric ES90 Sedan to Launch in 2025—Offers Range of 373 Miles
  • Mazda’s Updated BT-50 Pickup: SUV-Inspired Design and Cutting-Edge Tech
  • Hyundai Rolls Out 650 HP Compact Electric Racer—Is This the Future of EVs?
  • Rare Volkswagen XL1 Coupe With 235 MPG Efficiency Now for $90K
  • Hyundai’s Creta Pickup Concept: Blending SUV Style with Truck Power
  • Iconic G-Wagon Gets a Fashion-Forward Makeover in Moncler Collaboration—Limited to 20 Units
  • Land Rover Prepares for 2025 Electric Debut: What We Know So Far
  • Chrysler Brings Back the Cordoba After 40 Years—And It’s Stunning
  • Kia Sportage 2027 Preview: First Look at the Futuristic SUV
  • Toyota’s Iconic Sprinter Carib May Return—Here’s What We Know
  • With $180M in Support, Musk Backs Trump’s Victory—And Makes It Meme-Worthy
  • Toyota’s Land Speed Cruiser Hits 230 mph—Is This the World’s Fastest SUV?

You May Also Like

  • 1
    Kia Sportage 2027 Preview: First Look at the Futuristic SUV

    TECH 

  • 2
    Toyota’s Iconic Sprinter Carib May Return—Here’s What We Know

    TECH 

  • 3
    With $180M in Support, Musk Backs Trump’s Victory—And Makes It Meme-Worthy

    BUSINESS 

  • 4
    Toyota’s Land Speed Cruiser Hits 230 mph—Is This the World’s Fastest SUV?

    TECH 

  • 5
    Can Hyundai’s Accent Join the N Lineup? Fans Are Buzzing Over New Rendering

    TECH 

Popular Now

  • 1
    Swifties and Celebrities Left Reeling After Trump’s Election Win

    BUSINESS 

  • 2
    First Look at 2026 Toyota RAV4 Redesign: Bold Updates and $30K Price

    TECH 

  • 3
    Why Japanese Cars Are America’s Favorites: Quality & Durability Win Big

    TECH 

  • 4
    Toyota's Tiny Off-Roader: What We Know So Far About the Land Cruiser Mini

    TECH 

  • 5
    Starving Soldiers Attack Civilians for Acorns—North Korea’s Shocking Reality

    BUSINESS 

Weekly Best Articles

  • Volvo’s Electric ES90 Sedan to Launch in 2025—Offers Range of 373 Miles
  • Mazda’s Updated BT-50 Pickup: SUV-Inspired Design and Cutting-Edge Tech
  • Hyundai Rolls Out 650 HP Compact Electric Racer—Is This the Future of EVs?
  • Rare Volkswagen XL1 Coupe With 235 MPG Efficiency Now for $90K
  • Hyundai’s Creta Pickup Concept: Blending SUV Style with Truck Power
  • Iconic G-Wagon Gets a Fashion-Forward Makeover in Moncler Collaboration—Limited to 20 Units
  • Land Rover Prepares for 2025 Electric Debut: What We Know So Far
  • Chrysler Brings Back the Cordoba After 40 Years—And It’s Stunning
  • Kia Sportage 2027 Preview: First Look at the Futuristic SUV
  • Toyota’s Iconic Sprinter Carib May Return—Here’s What We Know
  • With $180M in Support, Musk Backs Trump’s Victory—And Makes It Meme-Worthy
  • Toyota’s Land Speed Cruiser Hits 230 mph—Is This the World’s Fastest SUV?

Must-Reads

  • 1
    Kia Sportage 2027 Preview: First Look at the Futuristic SUV

    TECH 

  • 2
    Toyota’s Iconic Sprinter Carib May Return—Here’s What We Know

    TECH 

  • 3
    With $180M in Support, Musk Backs Trump’s Victory—And Makes It Meme-Worthy

    BUSINESS 

  • 4
    Toyota’s Land Speed Cruiser Hits 230 mph—Is This the World’s Fastest SUV?

    TECH 

  • 5
    Can Hyundai’s Accent Join the N Lineup? Fans Are Buzzing Over New Rendering

    TECH 

Popular Now

  • 1
    Swifties and Celebrities Left Reeling After Trump’s Election Win

    BUSINESS 

  • 2
    First Look at 2026 Toyota RAV4 Redesign: Bold Updates and $30K Price

    TECH 

  • 3
    Why Japanese Cars Are America’s Favorites: Quality & Durability Win Big

    TECH 

  • 4
    Toyota's Tiny Off-Roader: What We Know So Far About the Land Cruiser Mini

    TECH 

  • 5
    Starving Soldiers Attack Civilians for Acorns—North Korea’s Shocking Reality

    BUSINESS 

Share it on...