Chef Kwon Sung-jun's survival strategy: 'Being humble is a skill'

Chef Kwon Sung-jun, known as 'Napoli Matpia,' is drawing attention by revealing his life as a building owner of a 3.5 billion won property, showcasing an unexpectedly frugal businessman persona. Behind his flashy success lies thorough calculation and proactive negotiation skills.

On July 30, a video titled "Matpia Returns as an Undercover Building Owner (with Kim Poong)" was released on the YouTube channel 'Chimchak Man.' In the video, Kwon, who recently purchased a building in Sindang-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, personally introduced the space and shared his journey to success and management philosophy.

Kwon caught eyes by revealing, "The interior design alone cost about 1 billion won." While he appears to lead the glamorous life of a successful chef by owning a 3.5 billion won building and a restaurant space, his actual persona is that of a pragmatic businessman who strictly manages costs.

Particularly eye-catching was the 'sponsorship behind-the-scenes' revealed while introducing his state-of-the-art kitchen equipment. Kwon stated that he uses kitchen appliances from Samsung Electronics, candidly admitting, "I called the marketing team directly and requested them unconditionally."

When Kim Poong asked about the sponsorship process, Kwon stated without hesitation that he contacts brand managers first to proactively explain his needs. He added that not only the kitchen equipment but also various materials throughout the building were secured through collaborations with various brands.

Unlike many successful entrepreneurs who conduct sponsorships or negotiations quietly behind the scenes, Kwon does not hide his proactive attitude in communicating his demands. He laughed while saying, "Sometimes you have to know how to be subservient," but the statement reflects his sharp sense of reality as a businessman.

Previously, Kwon had also revealed his saving and negotiation know-how in other content. He brought laughter by explaining that when collaborating with luxury brands, he requests product support, and if rejected, he attempts to renegotiate by mentioning cases from other brands.

This side of him differs from a simple 'stingy' image. It is a thorough management style of utilizing his influence and brand value to reduce costs and proactively obtaining what is necessary. Experts suggest this realistic judgment is the foundation of his growth into a chef who possesses both culinary skills and business acumen.

Kwon became a household name after appearing as 'Napoli Matpia' in the 2024 Netflix variety show 'Culinary Class Wars,' where he emerged as the winner. Since then, he has expanded his influence through various media appearances and is currently expanding his reach from chef to food service entrepreneur by operating the restaurant 'Vesuvius' in his new building.

What lies behind his flashy success is not just luck or stardom, but the willingness to act personally when necessary and choose practical benefits over pride. The 'art of being subservient' shown by Kwon is gaining attention as a realistic success strategy for surviving in a fiercely competitive society.