[Edaily Reporter Choi Hee-jae ] Chef Jeong Ji-seon transformed into an “angel boss” in Taiwan to win over her staff

On the upcoming episode of KBS2’s “The Boss’s Ears Are Donkey Ears” (Sadang-gwi), airing on the 8th, Chef Jeong Ji-seon’s Taiwan branch will be featured. The restaurant spans 140 pyeong and seats 74, with a staff of over 20. Jeong Ji-seon revealed, “Reservations were fully booked for two months as soon as we opened,” underscoring her popularity in Taiwan.

Amid this, the Taiwanese staff unanimously praised Chef Jeong Ji-seon as “a very kind boss,” drawing significant attention. Unlike the strong impression she left in Korea with her sharp tongue and strict discipline, in Taiwan, she is said to handle employee mistakes with generosity. Even when the kitchen was flooded because a faucet wasn’t turned off, Jeong Ji-seon said, “It seems they’re not yet familiar with the kitchen equipment, so I let it slide.”

Jeong Ji-seon also explained the reason behind his changed attitude. “More than 10 Taiwanese employees quit within a month and a half of opening,” he revealed, adding, “Since I can’t let my staff run away, I’m treating them like angels here in Taiwan.”

The episode also features the reaction of Jeong Ji-seon’s close friend Kim Sook, who visited her Taiwanese store. As she looked around the store, Kim Sook recalled the once-quiet Seochon branch and said, “It reminded me of the Seochon branch, and I got a lump in my throat.”

In response, Jeon Hyun-moo quipped, “Jeong Ji-seon’s ‘dark past’ is an asset she possesses only with ‘Sadang-gwi,’” adding, “You really never know what life has in store,” which drew laughter.

Later, when Jeong Ji-seon—who had vowed, “I will never sell jajangmyeon or jjamppong”—unveils jajangmyeon as a new menu item at her Taiwanese restaurant, Jeon Hyun-moo can’t hide his disappointment, quipping, “You wouldn’t make it for me even when I begged you for four straight years!” which draws laughter.

After Kim Sook tasted Jeong Ji-seon’s jjajangmyeon and raved, “10 out of 10,” Jeon Hyun-moo reportedly burst out with playful jealousy, saying, “I should’ve gone there and made Jeong Ji-seon cry,” filling the set with their delightful rivalry.

“Sadang-gwi” is a voluntary self-reflection program for South Korean bosses aimed at creating workplaces where people enjoy their jobs. It airs every Sunday at 4:40 p.m.