Sang Ahn, once a soldier in the U.S. Army stationed in Iraq, is now one of Asia’s most renowned chefs and a Michelin-star restaurant owner in South Korea. His incredible transformation from the battlefield to the culinary world has garnered widespread attention, including his role as a judge on the hit Netflix cooking reality show “Culinary Class Wars.”
Born in South Korea, Sang moved to California with his family in pursuit of a better life. He completed his schooling and college education there, but always sought a life that was “a little different,” as he put it. Motivated by a desire to travel and explore new places, he decided to join the U.S. Army during his college years. His military service took him to various bases across the United States, eventually leading to his deployment to Iraq following the 9/11 attacks.
When asked by CNN why he volunteered to go to Iraq, Sang explained that stories of the Korean and Vietnam Wars shared by his father and uncles had piqued his interest in experiencing combat firsthand. His time in the military lasted four years, after which he decided to shift paths once again.
Initially drawn to becoming a Porsche mechanic, Sang was just two weeks away from starting his mechanical training when he had an unexpected encounter with a group of chefs. That meeting changed his life’s direction yet again, leading him into the culinary world.
Sang quickly became involved in the U.S. culinary scene, working under several renowned chefs in top kitchens across the country. Reflecting on this career change, he remarked, “I never regretted my decision. I once dreamed of becoming a Porsche mechanic, but now I drive them.”
Today, Sang Ahn stands among Asia’s elite chefs, with his Michelin-rated restaurant and a significant presence in the global culinary scene. His journey from soldier to celebrated chef is a testament to his resilience, adaptability, and passion for life’s diverse experiences.
