Seoul, South Korea – Jung Ji-sun, the 41-year-old chef behind the renowned dim sum restaurant Tien Mimi, has emerged as one of the most influential women in the South Korean culinary industry this year. With two decades of experience in Chinese cuisine, Jung is often hailed as the country's first female Chinese food celebrity chef.

Her appearances on popular cooking shows like JTBC's "Please Take Care of My Refrigerator" and Netflix's "Black and White Chefs" have not only elevated the profile of Chinese cuisine but have also helped to shatter the glass ceiling in the male-dominated culinary world.

While Jung and other female chefs featured on "Black and White Chefs" have captivated audiences with their culinary skills and inspiring personal stories, the underrepresentation of women in the show, with female contestants accounting for less than 20%, has sparked concerns about gender inequality in the industry.

"If I, a female chef, hadn't appeared on TV and only had domestic experience, would my juniors have followed me? I couldn't say anything to them except to persevere," Jung said in a 2019 interview with Women's News. "I hope that the next generation can build upon my efforts and elevate themselves."

Jung's words highlight the systemic challenges faced by women in the culinary industry. However, the success of chefs like Jung and the growing visibility of female culinary talent offer hope for the future. As more women break into the industry and challenge traditional gender roles, it is anticipated that the culinary landscape in South Korea will become increasingly diverse and inclusive.