Chef Sam Kim: "They Told Me to Take a Pay Cut Because I Talk So Little"

Star chef Sam Kim brought laughter to the screen by candidly revealing his quiet personality during a recent broadcast. In particular, he drew attention by disclosing that while appearing on the JTBC variety show 'Please Take Care of My Refrigerator,' his fellow chefs jokingly suggested that since he speaks so little, he should perhaps receive a lower appearance fee.

On the 26th, Sam Kim appeared on the tvN variety program 'You Quiz on the Block' to engage in conversation with the host, Yoo Jae-suk.

Upon seeing Sam Kim, Yoo Jae-suk immediately remarked, "Doesn't it look like you're an introvert to anyone?" Sam Kim nodded in agreement, admitting, "I am actually feeling quite nervous even right now.".

When asked why he still feels nervous despite having significant broadcasting experience, Sam Kim replied, "It's just my personality, so it hasn't improved.". He explained that adapting to the unfamiliar environment of a broadcast and changing one's innate disposition are two entirely different matters.

Rather, his quiet personality has inadvertently become a unique character trait. "Many introverts ask me how I overcame it," Sam Kim said. "Even customers who visit my restaurant tell me after their meal that I am the 'hope of introverts'."

Yoo Jae-suk responded to this by jokingly calling him the "Star of Introverts," triggering laughter in the studio.

The conversation regarding Sam Kim's introverted nature led back to his time on 'Please Take Care of My Refrigerator.' Yoo Jae-suk mentioned that in that program, where star chefs compete in cooking battles, Sam Kim is relatively quiet. "I heard that in 'Please Take Care of My Refrigerator,' the other chefs told you to take a lower appearance fee because you don't talk much?" Yoo asked.

Instead of flatly denying it, Sam Kim drew laughter by indirectly revealing the names of his colleagues.

"I can't say exactly, but besides Mr. Kim Pung, there is also a Mr. Choi," he said, adding, "They always make comments like that. It's unfair." He was essentially pointing to Kim Pung and Choi Hyun-seok, who appeared on the same program.

He added, "So I am trying hard to talk more," which once again turned the studio into a sea of laughter.

The reason Sam Kim's remarks are so entertaining lies in the fact that 'Please Take Care of My Refrigerator' is not merely a program competing on culinary skill, but content where the chefs' characters, wit, and variety-style interactions work together. Amidst cast members known for flamboyant speech and exaggerated reactions, Sam Kim's relatively calm demeanor creates a unique and striking contrast.

In fact, during his broadcasts, Sam Kim has maintained his characteristic calm tone and serious attitude while focusing on the cooking process. Rather than engaging in the exaggerated self-expression often required in variety shows, he has built his presence through his own pace and style.

Public perception of his personality has also shifted over time. While past broadcasts tended to spotlight guests who actively spoke and led the atmosphere, recently, individuals who naturally show their true selves without forcing a change in disposition are also recognized as a form of competitive content strength.

This is the same context in which Sam Kim earned the nickname "Hope of Introverts." Rather than viewing introversion as a flaw to be overcome, his way of standing before the broadcast and the public while accepting his natural disposition has formed a point of empathy with the audience.

Just as he finely controls ingredients and heat intensity in his cooking, Sam Kim's attitude of not overextending his way of expression in broadcasting is creating a distinctive color.

With the composure to accept even the jokes from colleagues about cutting his appearance fee due to his quietness as a source of humor, Sam Kim demonstrated on this day the qualities of a star chef who has successfully turned even his personality into a unique identity.