Chef Ahn Yoo-sung Spreads Kindness Amid Tragedy

On December 30, Chef Ahn Yoo-sung, known from the show 흑백요리사 (Black and White Chef), made headlines for his compassionate act of delivering 200 servings of kimbap to the families affected by the Jeju Air tragedy at Muan International Airport. Following this, he participated in a phone interview on SBS Radio Power FM's 두시탈출 컬투쇼 (Escape at Two: Cultwo Show) on December 31, where he shared his motivations for helping.

When asked about his visit to the airport, Chef Ahn expressed, "I felt overwhelmed and couldn't focus on anything. I thought about how I could help, and since my only skill is cooking, I quickly prepared kimbap and went to deliver it."

Reports of kindness have been circulating at Muan Airport, where anonymous individuals have been prepaying for meals at cafes and restaurants to support the bereaved families. This initiative mirrors the recent prepaid meal relay seen during the impeachment protests, showcasing a community coming together in times of need.

Chef Ahn noted, "I delivered kimbap to the families who are temporarily residing in tents at the airport. Since I can only cook, I want to continue visiting them as long as they are there. Even a small piece of kimbap might help them regain some strength."

Looking ahead to January 1, Chef Ahn plans to return to the airport with 300 bowls of abalone porridge, initially intending to serve traditional rice cake soup. He mentioned that many chefs from 흑백요리사 (Black and White Chef) are also joining in this effort.

He emphasized the importance of public support during difficult times, stating, "When people face major accidents or hardships, the greatest strength often comes from the public's concern. Continuous support and encouragement from the public are the most significant help we can provide. I will be there to offer whatever assistance I can."

As the community mourns, netizens have expressed their gratitude, saying, "Thanks to this, the end of the year feels warmer," and "This is what positive influence looks like. Thank you!"