For Chef Edward Lee, a single appearance on NetflixS “The Final Table” in 2018 proved to be a turning point, unexpectedly launching him to celebrity status in South Korea. The competition series, which tasked chefs with mastering global cuisines, inadvertently opened doors to a new career for Lee as a prominent television personality in a country experiencing a surge in cultural exports like K-pop and “Squid Game.” Lee, owner of acclaimed restaurants in Washington, D.C., and Louisville, Kentucky, now balances his U.S.commitments with a growing presence on Korean television, demonstrating the power of culinary media to transcend borders.
Chef Edward Lee’s ‘Final Table’ Appearance Launched Him to Unexpected Stardom in Korea
Chef Edward Lee says a single episode of the Netflix cooking competition “The Final Table” unexpectedly transformed his career, turning him into a recognizable figure in South Korea and opening doors to a new life as a television personality there. The show, which premiered in November 2018, challenged chefs to recreate iconic national dishes.
Lee, who owns the restaurants Succotash in Washington, D.C., and Penny Cluse Cafe in Louisville, Kentucky, competed on the episode dedicated to Korean cuisine. He prepared dak galbi, a spicy stir-fried chicken dish. While he didn’t win the episode, the appearance resonated deeply with Korean audiences.
“I didn’t realize how big it was going to be,” Lee said. “I just thought, ‘Oh, I’m going to cook a dish on TV.’ I had no idea it would change my life.”
Following the show’s release, Lee began receiving invitations to appear on Korean television programs. He now regularly appears on shows like “Delicious Rendezvous” and “Korean Hostel,” becoming a familiar face to millions. This surge in popularity reflects the growing global interest in Korean cuisine and culture, fueled by the success of shows like “Squid Game” and the increasing influence of K-pop.
“I’m a Korean American, and I grew up with Korean food, but I never really understood how much it meant to people in Korea until I started going there after ‘Final Table’,” Lee explained. “It’s been a really beautiful experience.”
He described a recent experience where he was stopped multiple times while walking through a Seoul department store. “People were just coming up to me and wanting to take pictures. It was surreal.”
Lee continues to operate his restaurants in the United States, but he now spends a significant amount of time in Korea, balancing his commitments on both sides of the Pacific. He says his experience demonstrates the power of television to connect with audiences and create unexpected opportunities.
