[All] [2026 Latest] What is Chef Choi Kang-rok's profile? A comprehensive summary of his age, educational background, marriage status, and restaurant Neo

This is the latest complete profile of Chef Choi Kang-rok (The Strongest Record), which includes everything from his age, educational background, marriage, and family to restaurant information for Neo, the story behind his victory on Master Chef, his topics on "The Black and White Chef," his famous quotes, books, and awards.

1. Choi Kang-rok Profile Summary

Choi Kang-rok is a star chef who stands out from the crowd. He's not the type to rely on fast-talking, skillful speech, but rather he's slow and a little clumsy. However, his approach to cooking and the time he's put into it are very solid, and that's what attracts many people.

2. From a musical boy to a chef

Choi Kang-rok's original dream wasn't to become a chef. In high school, he devoted himself to band activities, playing drums and chorus, and aiming to enter a music college. However, he failed the entrance exam, and then went on to study Spanish but dropped out. It was a time when he was feeling lost about his life.

After completing his military service in the Marine Corps, he was thinking about his future when he happened to come across the manga "Mr. Ajikko (Sushi King)" and it changed his life dramatically. Driven by the simple idea of ​​"making a living from sushi," he traveled to Japan and learned the basics at a sushi academy. At the age of 24, he opened a sushi restaurant in Shinchon, Seoul with a friend, but experienced setbacks due to the difficulties of running a joint business and a lack of experience.

He continued to take on challenges, such as running a conveyor belt sushi restaurant by himself, but he felt he had reached his limits and decided that he needed to learn cooking properly. He enrolled in Tsuji Culinary Institute in Japan and began to study cooking in earnest.

3. The moment winning "MasterChef Korea 2" changed his life

After training in Japan, Choi Gang-rok returns to Korea and opens a Japanese-style prepared food store, but it closes down due to a huge deficit. With a large debt, he takes a job at a tuna trading company to make a living.

Then, he saw an audition notice for MasterChef Korea 2 and applied. Even though he was laid off during filming, he faced cooking with more fervor than anyone else.

His simple but highly-finished stew was highly praised, and he ultimately won the championship. He is said to have used most of the 300 million won prize money to pay off his debts, and this decision is also spoken of as a symbol of his character.

4. The culinary philosophy behind Shokudo Neo

Choi Gang-rok currently runs the izakaya-style restaurant Neo in Samjeon-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul. It is not a high-end omakase restaurant, but aims to be a casual space where people can enjoy food and drinks.

The name "Neo" not only means "new," but also embodies the desire to provide food that can be enjoyed without any formality.

5. Appearance in "Chef Black and White" and feud with Sung Kyung Longest

In 2024, Choi Kang-rok attracted attention again when he appeared as a "white spoon chef" in Netflix's Chef in Black and White: Culinary Class War.

During the team competition, a scene was broadcast in which he and Sungkyung Longest had a disagreement over the direction of the sauce, which caused a temporary controversy. However, this was later seen as a difference in opinion on cooking, and Choi Kang-rok's calm and persuasive attitude was well-received.

6. Broadcasting Activities and Changes in Public Image

Although he doesn't appear often, he is recognized as a chef who leaves a strong impression every time he appears.

7. Choi Kang-rok's famous quotes are being reevaluated

Choi Kang-rok's words are not flashy, but his honest thoughts about cooking and life are revealed in his awkward words.

"Cooking is 51% of life"

This statement succinctly expresses that cooking is not just a job for him, but a way of life.

8. Expertise as seen from publications and awards

His books are easy to understand even for beginners, and he consistently maintains an attitude of "never neglecting the basics."

9. Choi Kang-rok's TMI and unknown episodes

Her dream for the future is to create a "cooking library." She envisions a small space where people can read cookbooks and talk while cooking. Her favorite foods are oiji (pickled cucumbers) and mizumeshi (water-based rice). She says her role model is Corey Lee.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q1. Is Choi Kang-rok married?
Yes, I am married and have a wife and daughter.

Q2. Are you a self-taught chef?
He was initially self-taught, but has since graduated from a formal culinary school in Japan.

Q3. Is Shokudo Neo still open?
Yes, we are currently open in Samjeon-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul.

He's not flashy, but he's a chef who will be remembered for a long time.
The reason why Choi Kang-rok is attracting attention again is
It's more about a way of life than the food itself.

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