The "Chef Show" musical, organized by the Korean Cultural Center in Vietnam, premiered on the afternoon of 24/9 in Hanoi, drawing hundreds of Vietnamese spectators. This unique performance blends culinary arts with dynamic stage acts, promoting Korean culture through an engaging, non-verbal format.

Originally launched in 2008 as Bibap and rebranded as "Chef Show" in 2011, the program simulates a bustling restaurant kitchen where chefs compete in cooking. This competition is intertwined with captivating performances of beatbox, b-boying (a hip hop street dance), singing, and intricate choreography. The show is recognized as a pioneer of the "EATertainment" concept in Korea, a blend of 'eat' and 'entertainment', influencing many similar culinary performances across the region.

The core of the show features a culinary battle between two main characters: Red chef and Green chef. Red chef is portrayed as an energetic and sometimes "cunning" character, while Green chef demonstrates exceptional knife skills. Aided by their assistants, they prepare famous dishes from around the globe, including Vietnamese pho, Italian pizza, Japanese sushi, and bibimbap.

During one memorable segment, Green chef's assistant (second from left in the photo) prepared chicken for the pho dish. The nearly 300 audience members erupted in laughter when an assistant comically performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a chicken about to be placed into the cooking pot, adding a touch of humor to the culinary competition.

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Audience engagement is a key element of "Chef Show", extending beyond passive viewing. Spectators have the unique opportunity to join the artists on stage, sample the prepared dishes, and cast their votes for the best chef. This direct interaction creates a dynamic and immersive experience for everyone present.

Actor Soo Seong Huyn, who portrays Red chef (pictured kneeling), has been a part of this production since 2011. He expressed a deep connection to the role, noting its significance to him. This visit marked his first time performing in Vietnam, which he described as both curious and nervous, eager to see how the Vietnamese audience would respond to his character.

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Park Chan A, Director of the Korean Cultural Center in Vietnam, highlighted the show's universal appeal, stating that it is a program enjoyable for audiences of all ages. She emphasized the direct interaction between artists and the audience, which collectively fosters a lively atmosphere on stage. This event is part of Touring K-Arts, a global initiative by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Korea to promote Korean arts and culture, offering free admission. Vietnamese guests can register for tickets through the Korean Cultural Center in Vietnam fanpage.

The audience for the Hanoi performance was diverse, with approximately 50% being elementary school students. These young spectators showed great enthusiasm for the Korean artists' performance, particularly excited by the prospect of taking photos with the cast and receiving souvenirs in the lobby after the show. Luu Ngoc Hang, a 32-year-old audience member, traveled by bus from Dong Anh to attend "Chef Show". She praised the artists' energy and found the program particularly suitable for children.

Phuong Anh

Photos: Giang Huy