"Baek Jong-won Would Be Shocked"... Late Hygiene Controversy Surrounds 'Heukbaek Chef' Viral Guest

'Imokase 1ho' Restaurant Faces Hygiene Issues
Oil on Frying Pan Edges and Reuse of Cutting Boards
Netizens Say "Baek Jong-won Would Be Shocked"

'Black and White Chef' Cast Member 'Imokase No.1' [Source=Netflix]

A restaurant operated by a cast member of the Netflix hit variety show 'Black and White Chef' has been embroiled in a hygiene controversy.

Netizens raised hygiene concerns about the restaurant 'Imokase 1ho,' whose chef was among the final eight Korean cuisine chefs on 'Black and White Chef.' The controversial spot is a well-known eatery run by Imokase 1ho in Dobong-gu, Seoul. Originally famous in a traditional market, the place has seen numerous visitors over time, and past reviews have been reexamined due to the show's influence.

In April, the YouTube channel 'Food365' uploaded a video titled 'Imo's Way! Korean Omakase with a Taste of Alcohol, Imokase! A Joyful Drinking Table.' The video vividly showed Imokase 1ho preparing and serving food to customers. However, he was seen cooking while wearing accessories such as rings and bracelets and using a frying pan with greasy edges, displaying a hygiene standard somewhat detached from expectations. He also cut abalone, boiled pork, fish, and oranges all on the same cutting board.

In response, netizens commented, "I wondered how dirty the frying pan could be, and it really is dirty," "If Baek Jong-won came here, he would grab the back of their neck," "The cutting board is too dirty; please replace it," and "People cooking should not wear accessories," expressing concerns about the hygiene conditions.

Meanwhile, 'Black and White Chef' is a variety show depicting a culinary hierarchy war among 100 chefs, where the highly skilled 'Black Spoon' chefs, praised for their exceptional taste, challenge the top star chefs known as 'White Spoon' in South Korea. Since its release on the 17th of last month, it has sparked significant online buzz, creating various memes and fierce reservation competitions at the participating chefs' restaurants, gaining immense popularity. At a press conference before the final episode, Imokase 1ho expressed, "Just being seated here is a tremendous change," adding, "The traditional market is going through a severe downturn, but I feel very proud that people come to the market to see me."