Chef Jeong Ji-seon [Herald Muse]
Chef Jeong Ji-seon [Herald Muse]

Chef Jeong Ji-seon, who rose to public prominence through the Netflix reality program Culinary Class Wars, is putting YouTube activities on hold.

Jeong's team posted a lengthy announcement Wednesday on the YouTube channel "Jeong Ji-seon's Karisma," which has about 163,000 subscribers, saying the channel would be going on hiatus.

"Today I have a somewhat bittersweet message to share," the post read. "For now, it looks like it will be difficult to release new videos on the channel."

"Preparing for the next shoot, thinking up new stories, and greeting you with the next video had become such a natural part of daily life — so sharing this news is not something I take lightly," the post continued.

The post went on to say: "But I think the time has come to slow our steps for a moment, to look back on the time we've spent, and to prepare for what lies ahead. I'm not writing this hoping it will be a final farewell — but I also can't rashly promise when I'll be back. I merely wanted to share the most honest feelings we can offer right now."

"When time passes and we look back on this period, I think what will come to mind first won't be view counts or numbers, but the moments we laughed together, the sincerity we shared, and the warmth of everyone who chose to watch our stories," the post said. "So even as we pause, I want to make sure I express just how grateful I am — as much as I am sad."

The post also expressed hope that "a day will come when we can pick up the camera again, prepare new stories, and greet you with a warm hello."

Viewers responded with words of encouragement in the comments, writing things like "The chef is so busy, it can't be helped," "It was wonderful getting to see more of you," and "We're cheering you on in all your endeavors."

Jeong competed on Culinary Class Wars as a "white spoon" contestant, winning viewers' hearts with a bold personality and a series of memorable dishes.


yul@heraldcorp.com