"Culinary Class Wars" chef Jung Ji-seon, who won the public's love, became the winner of the '2025 KBS Entertainment Awards' popularity award. Amid a dazzling trajectory that has taken him to the global stage, he delivered unexpectedly heartbreaking news on stage that left the venue somber.
On the 20th at the '2025 KBS Entertainment Awards' held at the KBS New Hall in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, hosted by Moon Se-yoon, Lee Min-jung and Lee Chan-won, Jung Ji-seon appeared in a striking red outfit that captured attention. When his name was announced as the popularity award winner, he achieved the feat of winning for three consecutive years following the rookie award in 2023 and the excellence award in 2024.
Jung Ji-seon said, "It is a program that helped me become widely known as a chef. Chef Lee Yeon-bok and Chef Jung ho-young, who helped me enter broadcasting, are also here," and added, "I am grateful to be known proudly as a chef through broadcasting."
But in a moment of joy, he surprised everyone by sharing the unfortunate recent condition of his fraternal twin sibling. Jung Ji-seon said, "A week ago my twin sibling was diagnosed with a brain tumor. They are having a very hard time," and calmly but firmly offered support, "I still believe they will definitely overcome it." The family's pain hidden behind the glamorous award stage left a deep impression.
The confession that day formed an even starker contrast as it coincided with Jung Ji-seon's recent "global popularity." He recently revealed on a variety show that after a beer commercial in Taiwan he even signed an automobile commercial contract, drawing attention. When Jun Hyun-moo said, "Lately chef Jung Ji-seon has been bringing back a lot of American snacks," Kim Sook chimed in, "Last time he brought Taiwanese snacks," relating his international activities.
Jung Ji-seon said, "I went to Taiwan last month. I shot a beer commercial and did a men's magazine photo shoot," and added, "I did well at the car event, so this time that brand's commercial came in. The print shoot is already done, and the broadcast filming will be next month," surprising everyone. In particular, by signing even an expensive automobile commercial that only top stars have done, he proved his global popularity.
When an apprentice asked, "Don't you need a place to stay overseas?" he coolly laughed, "I should build a vacation home," and upon hearing this Jun Hyun-moo marveled, "Why does Taiwan love Jung Ji-seon so much?" Park Myung-soo also jokingly, and with a hint of jealousy, said, "I can't do broadcasts with Jung Ji-seon anymore. It makes me feel inferior."
Thus Jung Ji-seon emerged as a "hot chef" who resonates even abroad. But the painful family news he delivered on the entertainment awards stage revealed another face hidden behind his glamorous status. Netizens have been sending messages of support such as, "He became a global star but such a painful thing…", "I hope your sibling overcomes it," and "the acceptance speech lingers more in my heart."
[Photo] OSEN DB
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