Why "Culinary Class Wars" Chef Kim Do Yun Keeps His Eyes Partially Closed

The second season of Culinary Class Wars brought back a familiar presence: Kim Do Yun, stepping in as a hidden White Spoon alongside Choi Kang Rok. Chef Kim, who had already competed in Season 1, returned to the Netflix series’ famous kitchen, only to face another early exit following Judge Ahn Sung Jae’s verdict. Still, his brief reappearance reignited public interest, not just in his food, but in the details viewers couldn’t stop noticing.

Across both seasons, Chef Kim has been one of the show’s most visually distinctive chefs. From his long hair to the headphones he wears while cooking, and yes, even his eyes, his presence has sparked curiosity online. What some might assume was a stylistic choice, however, has a far more practical explanation—one that the chef himself has addressed.

According to Taiwan’s Daily News, as mentioned by South Korean outlet TV Report, Kim Do Yun previously explained that his narrowed or squinting eyes are due to ptosis, a condition where the upper eyelids droop and partially obstruct vision. In interviews conducted during a visit to Taiwan, the chef shared that the condition affects his field of sight, which can make it appear as though his eyes are constantly closed.

Chef Kim also clarified that he has not undergone corrective surgery. Ptosis surgery typically requires local anesthesia, with the patient remaining conscious during the procedure. The chef explained that this has made him hesitant, as he experiences claustrophobia. Because of this, he said he often asks people not to misunderstand his appearance, emphasizing that it is not intentional or an expression of disinterest.

The increased attention since appearing on Culinary Class Wars has made these small misunderstandings more frequent. In the same interview, Chef Kim described how sudden public recognition has limited his once-quiet routine, admitting that even simple outings now come with stress. Still, he acknowledged the upside, noting that the show’s popularity has positively affected his restaurant and brought his long-term plans—like establishing a Korean food research institute—closer to reality.

Chef Kim’s other noticeable traits have also been addressed openly. In an interview with The Michelin Guide, he explained that letting his long hair down during the show was largely a production decision, not a personal preference. “There were other women chefs with long hair on set, but for some reason, they insisted only I should let mine down,” he said. “I remember thinking, ‘Why me? Won’t this just make me look like the odd one out and create some backlash?’ So, it was a bit uncomfortable. I guess they wanted to create a certain image of me for the show.”

The headphones, however, were entirely his choice. Chef Kim shared that he regularly listens to music while working, using it as a way to organize his thoughts and stay calm. During filming, this habit became especially important, especially while managing panic disorder. “Blocking out the surrounding sounds and focusing on music really helped me find my calm,” he said, adding that he often played South Korean singer Yangpa’s songs to relax.

His tools—including his headphones and measured demeanor—became part of how he navigated the high-pressure kitchen. “The most important thing in cooking is the mindset. You can source the best ingredients, but without the right attitude, it’s meaningless,” he said. That philosophy extended beyond cooking: he even brought an espresso machine to set to make coffee for fellow contestants, prioritizing human connection over competition.

Culinary Class Wars is streaming on Netflix.