From Stardom to Kimbap: A Culinary Journey of Two Artists
November 5, 2024, 5:05 am
In the bustling heart of Singapore, a unique culinary venture unfolds. Jo Ju Bang, a kimbap shop at Tanjong Pagar Plaza, is not just another eatery. It’s a testament to dreams reshaped and passions reignited. Here, a former K-pop idol trainee and a Mandopop singer have traded their stage lights for fluorescent bulbs, crafting delicious rice and seaweed rolls instead of belting out tunes.
The shop’s ambiance is simple. Bright lights illuminate the kimbap counter, where fresh ingredients await. It’s a no-frills setup, but the food speaks volumes. The duo behind this venture, Vivian Jo Hyeongi and Lawrence, known as XL, have created a space that feels like home. Their journey from the glitzy world of music to the humble realm of food is as captivating as the dishes they serve.
Vivian, who once trained to be a K-pop idol, stepped away from the spotlight after a year. The industry’s demands clashed with her values. A dodgy request from a producer was the final straw. She chose integrity over fame, leaving behind the dreams of stardom. Instead, she pursued education and eventually became a manager at a Korean aesthetic clinic in Singapore.
XL’s path was similarly winding. He spent five years in Taiwan’s Mandopop scene, chasing dreams that felt just out of reach. He appeared on talent shows and toured with well-known artists. But as the industry shifted, so did his aspirations. At 31, he returned to Singapore, ready to redefine his future.
Their paths crossed in 2015 at a party in Marina Bay Sands. Both were at a crossroads, seeking new directions. Vivian, initially clueless in the kitchen, found inspiration in motherhood. She began to explore her Korean roots through her mother’s recipes. Her mother had run a traditional pocha in South Korea, serving up comfort food that resonated with Vivian’s childhood.
The idea for Jo Ju Bang was born from a simple thought: there weren’t enough places in Singapore offering authentic kimbap. Their TikTok account, @sgkr.singakorean, showcased their culinary skills, leading to a pop-up stall that quickly gained popularity. The first day saw them selling just five rolls, but demand surged, and soon they were selling out.
The couple invested heavily in their dream. They spent a couple of hundred thousand dollars, with $30,000 dedicated to specialized machines that streamline the kimbap-making process. These machines allow Vivian to create a roll in just 45 seconds, a feat that marries tradition with efficiency.
Jo Ju Bang offers a variety of kimbap, each roll a delightful blend of flavors. The traditional kimbap, priced at S$9.90, features a medley of ingredients, including fishcake, smoked ham, and pickled daikon. It’s a balanced dish, though some may crave bolder flavors. The tuna kimbap, at S$10.90, is a crowd favorite, with creamy tuna mayo and sharp pickles that elevate the taste.
But it’s not just kimbap that draws customers. The menu includes Korean banchan and comforting chicken stews, dishes that Vivian often prepares for their twin daughters. Her jjimdak, a braised chicken dish, has garnered rave reviews, even from XL, who claims it surpasses his mother-in-law’s recipe.
The couple’s journey is a reminder that life’s paths are rarely linear. They’ve embraced their new roles as food entrepreneurs with the same passion they once reserved for music. Their commitment to quality and authenticity shines through in every dish they serve.
As they reflect on their unexpected journey, both express no regrets. They’ve learned valuable lessons from their pasts, and each experience has shaped who they are today. Their story is one of resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of happiness.
Jo Ju Bang is more than just a restaurant; it’s a symbol of transformation. It’s a place where dreams evolve, and new passions are born. For those in Singapore’s CBD, it offers a taste of Korea, wrapped in nostalgia and love.
As the couple plans to expand their business, they remain grounded. They understand the importance of community and connection. Collaborations with local influencers and events are on the horizon, promising to bring even more excitement to their culinary venture.
In a world where dreams can often feel out of reach, Vivian and XL remind us that it’s never too late to start anew. Whether through music or food, their journey is a celebration of creativity and the joy of sharing one’s culture.
Jo Ju Bang stands as a beacon for those seeking comfort in food and a reminder that every ending can lead to a beautiful new beginning. The kimbap rolls may be simple, but the story behind them is anything but. It’s a delicious narrative of hope, resilience, and the power of following one’s heart.
The shop’s ambiance is simple. Bright lights illuminate the kimbap counter, where fresh ingredients await. It’s a no-frills setup, but the food speaks volumes. The duo behind this venture, Vivian Jo Hyeongi and Lawrence, known as XL, have created a space that feels like home. Their journey from the glitzy world of music to the humble realm of food is as captivating as the dishes they serve.
Vivian, who once trained to be a K-pop idol, stepped away from the spotlight after a year. The industry’s demands clashed with her values. A dodgy request from a producer was the final straw. She chose integrity over fame, leaving behind the dreams of stardom. Instead, she pursued education and eventually became a manager at a Korean aesthetic clinic in Singapore.
XL’s path was similarly winding. He spent five years in Taiwan’s Mandopop scene, chasing dreams that felt just out of reach. He appeared on talent shows and toured with well-known artists. But as the industry shifted, so did his aspirations. At 31, he returned to Singapore, ready to redefine his future.
Their paths crossed in 2015 at a party in Marina Bay Sands. Both were at a crossroads, seeking new directions. Vivian, initially clueless in the kitchen, found inspiration in motherhood. She began to explore her Korean roots through her mother’s recipes. Her mother had run a traditional pocha in South Korea, serving up comfort food that resonated with Vivian’s childhood.
The idea for Jo Ju Bang was born from a simple thought: there weren’t enough places in Singapore offering authentic kimbap. Their TikTok account, @sgkr.singakorean, showcased their culinary skills, leading to a pop-up stall that quickly gained popularity. The first day saw them selling just five rolls, but demand surged, and soon they were selling out.
The couple invested heavily in their dream. They spent a couple of hundred thousand dollars, with $30,000 dedicated to specialized machines that streamline the kimbap-making process. These machines allow Vivian to create a roll in just 45 seconds, a feat that marries tradition with efficiency.
Jo Ju Bang offers a variety of kimbap, each roll a delightful blend of flavors. The traditional kimbap, priced at S$9.90, features a medley of ingredients, including fishcake, smoked ham, and pickled daikon. It’s a balanced dish, though some may crave bolder flavors. The tuna kimbap, at S$10.90, is a crowd favorite, with creamy tuna mayo and sharp pickles that elevate the taste.
But it’s not just kimbap that draws customers. The menu includes Korean banchan and comforting chicken stews, dishes that Vivian often prepares for their twin daughters. Her jjimdak, a braised chicken dish, has garnered rave reviews, even from XL, who claims it surpasses his mother-in-law’s recipe.
The couple’s journey is a reminder that life’s paths are rarely linear. They’ve embraced their new roles as food entrepreneurs with the same passion they once reserved for music. Their commitment to quality and authenticity shines through in every dish they serve.
As they reflect on their unexpected journey, both express no regrets. They’ve learned valuable lessons from their pasts, and each experience has shaped who they are today. Their story is one of resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of happiness.
Jo Ju Bang is more than just a restaurant; it’s a symbol of transformation. It’s a place where dreams evolve, and new passions are born. For those in Singapore’s CBD, it offers a taste of Korea, wrapped in nostalgia and love.
As the couple plans to expand their business, they remain grounded. They understand the importance of community and connection. Collaborations with local influencers and events are on the horizon, promising to bring even more excitement to their culinary venture.
In a world where dreams can often feel out of reach, Vivian and XL remind us that it’s never too late to start anew. Whether through music or food, their journey is a celebration of creativity and the joy of sharing one’s culture.
Jo Ju Bang stands as a beacon for those seeking comfort in food and a reminder that every ending can lead to a beautiful new beginning. The kimbap rolls may be simple, but the story behind them is anything but. It’s a delicious narrative of hope, resilience, and the power of following one’s heart.