Kang Min-goo, the owner-chef of Mingles, the only Michelin three-star restaurant in South Korea, is parting ways with Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul after a five-year partnership.
According to industry sources, Kang will end his contract with the hotel in April, marking the end of his time at the "Festa by Mingoo" restaurant in the hotel, which he has helmed since its launch.
Kang’s departure will make way for Lee Choong-hu, the youngest chef to earn a Michelin Guide rating in 2017, to take over as head chef of the restaurant under a new name, "Festa by Choong-hu."
Before his departure, Kang is hosting a final project titled "Urban Green Lunch & Dinner," featuring a Western-style tasting menu. Lunch is priced at 98,000 won ($67.26) per person, while dinner costs 190,000 won per person. The event, available from noon to 3 p.m. for lunch and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for dinner, will run through April 6.
Kang is expected to focus on his Michelin three-star restaurant.
"This is just the beginning. The three-star title carries heavy expectations. I feel a responsibility to maintain and improve upon the level of service and experience our guests expect,” Kang said in an interview with the Michelin Guide Feb. 27.
Kang also expressed his desire to showcase the depth and appeal of Korean cuisine globally through Mingles, which is known for its reinterpretation of traditional Korean flavors.
Lee is also a celebrated owner-chef of the Michelin one-star restaurant Zero Complex in Seoul.
Industry insiders suggest that following in Kang’s footsteps will be a significant challenge.
"Kang’s rise was unexpected, especially after the temporary closure of Chef Ahn Sung-jae's Michelin three-star restaurant Mosu. Lee Choong-hu is an accomplished chef, but the pressure will be on him to meet high expectations," an industry expert said.
Meanwhile, Mosu is scheduled to reopen later this month.
yoohong@heraldcorp.com
