[Sportschosun Reporter Lee Ji-hyun] As chef and entrepreneur Paik Jong-won has resumed his YouTube activities and teased Season 2 of his signature content series Naekkeonaemeok, his noticeably thinner appearance in front of the camera for the first time in about 16 months is drawing attention.
On the 11th, the YouTube channel "PAIK JONG WON" released a video titled "Paik's Noodle Has Started Touring the Country." The video marked the channel's full-scale return to content after about 16 months and signaled the start of Season 2 of Paik Jong-won's flagship project, Naekkeonaemeok.
The channel said, "Even while the channel was paused, the kitchen never stopped. This is the content franchise store owners wanted, a story about food and brands," adding, "Naekkeonaemeok 2 is starting again." It also introduced the project by saying it would tell stories about food and brands through the process of developing limited-time menu items using local specialties.
In the video, Paik said, "Since we're starting Naekkeonaemeok 2, I think we should do something special for the team," showing his excitement for the new project. While traveling by car, he also previewed content set across the country, saying, "I think we can create opportunities to promote local specialties. We are preparing a lot for other regions as well."
What caught viewers' attention most was Paik's visibly slimmer appearance. His sharper jawline and more gaunt face led some to speculate that he may have been under significant emotional strain amid various controversies and his hiatus from activities.
After The BORN Korea's listing last year, Paik became the center of controversy as he was hit with roughly 170 complaints and accusations from a civic group, some YouTubers, and online community users. He then temporarily suspended his broadcast and YouTube activities in May last year to regroup.
With most of the related allegations recently cleared, The BORN Korea announced Paik's return to YouTube in an official statement on the 5th. The company said, "Going forward, the 'Paik Jong-won' channel will focus on food content, introducing Korean food culture in an easy and entertaining way while also promoting Korean cuisine to overseas viewers."
olzllovely@sportschosun.com
