Actor Ryu Soo-young has once again amazed audiences, recently displaying his outstanding culinary knowledge on the quiz talk show “Okta Bangui Munjiae Deul.” His expertise even impressed CEO Hong Jin-kyung, whose company boasts annual sales of 310 billion won. Not long ago, Ryu gave a K-Food-themed lecture at Stanford University in the United States, further solidifying his role as a culinary authority. The public no longer wonders, “Why is an actor here?”—Ryu’s expertise is now taken for granted. But how did a mere “hobby” become such a recognized mark of authority? Ryu’s journey exemplifies the most successful evolution in personal branding of this era.

It all began with sincerity. Ryu first emerged in the public eye as a “cooking actor” through the KBS variety show “Fun-Staurant.” Instead of flashy chef-level dishes, he shared practical “dad’s recipes” that anyone could follow at home with everyday ingredients. Ryu’s philosophy—“make enough because there’ll always be leftovers”—earned him the affectionate nickname “Eonam Teacher,” firmly establishing him as a reliable culinary mentor. He isn’t a chef, but a relatable figure who introduces the joy of cooking on equal footing with viewers. His authenticity won over the public.

What sets Ryu apart is his meticulous approach to building trust, distinguishing him from the typical “good-looking man who cooks” image. He doesn’t rely on instincts, but on “data.” Recipes are precisely measured—“one paper cup,” “standard tablespoon”—so anyone can succeed. Ryu meticulously tests each recipe dozens of times, treating the process like a scientific experiment. This approach has earned him unwavering trust among viewers, who believe, “If it’s an Eonam Teacher recipe, it will work.”

A brand strategy expert commented, “Ryu Soo-young’s success perfectly demonstrates turning ‘sincerity’ into ‘credibility.’ Not only does he show himself cooking, but he designs moments of success for viewers. The verified effectiveness of his recipes is what elevates him from a mere entertainer to an expert.”

Ryu’s lecture at Stanford elevated him further—from a domestic “Eonam Teacher” to a global K-Food ambassador. On stage, he didn’t just do a cooking demonstration; he explained the history, philosophy, and cultural meaning of K-Food in fluent English. This symbolic event proved to the world that Ryu possesses not only culinary technique, but also a deep humanities perspective. By successfully maintaining his original career as an actor while establishing himself as a leading K-Food expert, he has continuously expanded his personal brand’s value.

Over the past few years, Ryu Soo-young’s journey has embodied the ideal growth curve of personal branding: “Genuine passion → Building expertise through rigorous research → Earning public trust through communication → Gaining authority through global recognition.”

His story is compelling proof that diving deeply into what you love can be a powerful advantage in today’s world. Ryu has broken down the barrier between “actor” and “cook,” crafting a unique and irreplaceable brand for himself.

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=MHN DB, KBS, E-Channel