Chef Jang Ho-jun Loses 25kg with Mounjaro — Han Chae-ah Reacts with Admiration

Chef Jang Ho-jun, who showed a strong presence in "Culinary Class Wars," drew attention by revealing his recent appearance after losing 25kg. Having made a name for himself with a unique philosophy on food and delicate plating, he showcased a significantly changed appearance through weight loss, prompting actress Han Chae-ah to exclaim, "You look much better now." As his physical transformation becomes as much a topic of conversation as his culinary skills, attention is focusing on Chef Jang Ho-jun's new look.

On the 5th, a video titled "Han Chae-ah, eats all this in one day? | From Gwangjang Market to Chef Jang Ho-jun's Omakase" was released on the YouTube channel "Han Chae-ah." On this day, Han Chae-ah visited a newly opened restaurant run by Chef Jang Ho-jun with an acquaintance. Upon visiting the newly opened establishment, Han Chae-ah expressed her apologies, saying, "I thought to myself on the way. It's an opening, but I came empty-handed," but Chef Jang Ho-jun welcomed her warmly, saying, "Your coming is the gift."

Chef Jang Ho-jun even jokingly said, "Have a pleasant time, and just bring other customers next time. Spread the word that 'it's good over there,'" drawing laughter. He then served his recommended menus one by one along with explanations of the food, and Han Chae-ah marveled not only at the taste but also at the neat and detailed plating.

In particular, Han Chae-ah looked closely at Chef Jang Ho-jun's unique aesthetic sense beyond the taste of the food. When she praised him, saying, "You have an excellent sense of aesthetics," Chef Jang Ho-jun responded, "Even though I look like this, I like cute things," continuing the uniquely cheerful atmosphere. At that, Han Chae-ah looked at him for a moment and said, "No. Chef, you look much better now," bringing laughter.

The acquaintance beside her also chimed in, saying, "You should have looked like this during 'Culinary Class Wars'." Only then did Chef Jang Ho-jun reveal the reason for his changed appearance. He disclosed, "I lost 25kg compared to when I was on 'Culinary Class Wars'." Compared to the appearance shown during the broadcast at that time, his facial lines and body shape have changed so noticeably that those around him could not hide their surprise.

Chef Jang Ho-jun has previously revealed that he lost weight with the help of the obesity treatment Mounjaro. Unlike explanations that weight was lost simply through exercise and diet control, he drew significant interest at the time by disclosing that he combined medical assistance. He also revealed that the weight loss process was by no means simple, confessing about his past eating habits, "The amount I ate was enormous."

In particular, Chef Jang Ho-jun did not hide his realistic feelings after the weight loss. By sharing that after experiencing a diet, it is not easy to eat like before and that he must continue to manage it to maintain his weight, he showed that this is a process that cannot be explained simply by the number "25kg weight loss success." As rapid weight changes significantly alter one's appearance, there is also a burden behind it to readjust one's eating habits and lifestyle itself.

Recently in the broadcasting industry, a celebrity's weight loss has become a piece of content beyond simple health management. Especially when a figure familiar to the public reveals a look that has changed noticeably in a short time, the visual effect of "before and after" is often consumed before the number of weight itself. Chef Jang Ho-jun is also in a situation where his weight loss and appearance change are receiving attention before his cooking.

What is even more interesting is the fact that Chef Jang Ho-jun's main profession is not "a person who eats" but "a person who makes food." For a chef who knows the taste and recipes of food best, weight management is not just simple dietary control but is also connected to his professional lifestyle. This is because the professional characteristic of constantly having to encounter food for taste inevitably clashes with the personal task of adjusting intake for his own health.

Chef Jang Ho-jun became known to the public by appearing as a White Spoon chef and the "ultimate master of Japanese cuisine" in the 2024 Netflix variety show "Culinary Class Wars." Since then, he has been active in the food service industry while operating several restaurants, while also continuing his presence on broadcasts. In the "Culinary Class Wars" Season 2 released in 2025, he reconnected with the program as a special judge.

Ultimately, this 25kg weight loss seems to be a change for Chef Jang Ho-jun that is more than just a number. This is because a significant gap has formed between the image the public remembers from "Culinary Class Wars" and his current appearance, creating a new character. Han Chae-ah's comment, "You look much better now," was also a reaction that compactly showed how much the image of the chef familiar to the public has changed, beyond a simple compliment on his appearance. Now, in addition to his cooking skills, another intense modifier, "25kg weight loss," follows Chef Jang Ho-jun.