Chef Lee Yeon-bok Hosts Friends on Channel A's 'Close Friends Documentary'
On April 7 at 8:10 PM, Channel A will air an episode featuring renowned chef Lee Yeon-bok on 'Close Friends Documentary - Four-Person Table'. With over 53 years of experience, Chef Lee invites his friends Kim Kang-woo, Heo Kyung-hwan, and Jang Ye-won to his cooking studio, a popular gathering spot for celebrities. He prepares an extravagant Chinese feast, showcasing his signature dishes like mentao sha (멘보샤) and Dongpo pork (동파육), along with a lavish 'Emperor's Eight Treasures' dish filled with squid, abalone, and scallops.
Known for his vibrant social life, Lee Yeon-bok shares stories about his close ties with the guests, particularly highlighting his long-standing partnership with Heo Kyung-hwan, with whom he has collaborated on 11 different programs. Heo expresses gratitude for Lee's unwavering support, recalling a time when Lee insisted he wouldn't participate in a show without Heo.
The dish Dongpo pork holds special significance for Lee, as it was pivotal in his career, leading him to become the youngest chef at the Taiwanese embassy. However, he faced a challenging period when he lost his sense of smell after undergoing surgery for sinusitis, prompting thoughts of retirement. He later turned his fortunes around by taking over a struggling restaurant in Japan, where his wife became his first student and now manages various aspects of their business.
The conversation continues with updates from the friends. Jang Ye-won, now a freelancer for six years, surprises everyone by revealing she invested her entire severance pay from SBS into a single stock. Meanwhile, Kim Kang-woo shares a humorous anecdote about his recent performance, where he and his sons joked about eating only rice, bulgogi, and soybean paste stew until the end of his shows.
After their meal, the group heads to the essential 'underground karaoke' at Lee's studio, where they admire the autographs of famous stars lining the walls. Kim Kang-woo leaves his own signature, marking his first visit to the cooking studio and creating lasting memories with his friends.
Tune in to 'Close Friends Documentary - Four-Person Table' every Monday at 8:10 PM on Channel A for a glimpse into the lives of stars and their friendships.
