Chef Edward Lee and Chef Hooni Kim Named 2026–2027 K-Food Ambassadors to the United States

Washington, D.C. / New York, N.Y. — Chef Edward Lee and Chef Hooni Kim have officially been appointed as the 2026–2027 K-Food Ambassadors to the United States, recognizing their outstanding contributions to Korean cuisine and their continued efforts to expand the appreciation of K-Food across America.
Chef Edward Lee received his appointment from Ambassador Kyung-wha Kang, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the United States, during a ceremony at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Washington, D.C. Chef Hooni Kim was appointed by Consul General Sangho Kim during a ceremony at the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in New York.
As K-Food Ambassadors, the chefs will help promote the heritage, innovation, and global appeal of Korean cuisine through culinary collaborations, educational initiatives, cultural exchange, and public engagement. Their appointments reflect the growing influence of Korean food and its role in connecting cultures through shared dining experiences.
The K-Food Ambassador Program is supported by aT Center New York (aT America). Marketing, communications, and promotional initiatives are led by Mihae Kim Stefani, Founder and Principal of Gimga Global and KFoodinUS.com, helping amplify the stories of the ambassadors and expand the reach of Korean cuisine throughout the United States.
We congratulate Chef Edward Lee and Chef Hooni Kim on this well-deserved honor and look forward to the impact they will continue to make in advancing K-Food and strengthening cultural connections across the country.