"Culinary Class Wars: culinary class war 2" ("Culinary Class Wars 2") chef Chun Sang-hyun, known as the "Blue House chef," revealed that Chun is battling cancer.
On the 21st, on the YouTube channel "One Mic," Chun said, "In fact, I received an offer to appear in season 1, but I couldn't film because I wasn't in good health." Chun added, "The cancer recurred, so I had to undergo another surgery. I have finished the surgery and am taking chemotherapy. I had part of my lung removed twice, and I take one chemotherapy pill a day."
Chun also explained, "There was a tumor in my head suspected to be meningioma. I underwent radiation therapy, and I also have noise-induced hearing loss, so I have trouble understanding speech."
Chun worked at the Shilla Hotel and, starting in 1998, oversaw presidents' tables at the Blue House for 20 years. Chun served a total of five presidents, from former President Kim Dae-jung to former President Moon Jae-in.
Regarding the selection process as a Blue House chef, Chun said, "My experience in Chinese cuisine at the Shilla Hotel became known, and a recommendation request was made to my mentor (chef Hou Deok-juk). After a resume review and first screening, and two months of a background check, I was finally chosen."
Chun also showed humility, saying, "I told my mentor, 'I will serve the president well for five years,' but since chefs usually change when the president changes, I think there was 40% to 50% luck in remaining for 20 years."
About the relationship with chef Hou Deok-juk, Chun said, "I respect my mentor a lot. When I joined, my mentor was a Director General, and now my mentor has been promoted up to director and managing director. With a gentle charisma, my mentor is not someone easy to approach."