Lee Chan-won marvels at the taste of soy-marinated crab at a Michelin-starred Korean restaurant in Tokyo

Michelin-level Korean cuisine met in the heart of Tokyo catches Lee Chan-won's eye

Singer Lee Chan-won was impressed by the high-quality Korean meal he tasted in Tokyo, Japan. In the 'Exploring Koreans in the World in Tokyo' segment of JTBC's 'Talkpawon 25시' airing on the 6th, the show highlights the culinary worlds of Korean chefs active locally.

On this day, Lee Chan-won visited the restaurant of Chef Lee Jung-jun, which has been named in the 'Michelin Guide Selected Tokyo' for three consecutive years. The meal prepared by Chef Lee Jung-jun consisted of 16 types of K-side dishes and soy-marinated crab (Ganjang-gejang). Facing the neatly prepared spread of soy-marinated crab, Lee Chan-won expressed continuous admiration while enjoying the local flavors.

Tokyo's gourmet world does not stop here. The restaurant of Chef Kimoto Yoko, who is of mixed Korean and Japanese descent, is also introduced. Chef Kimoto presents a unique menu utilizing potato dishes aged for two years and African Horohoro chicken. A course meal that fuses culinary elements from Korea, France, and Japan will be presented to viewers.

Lee Chan-won's unstoppable journey and musical achievements

Lee Chan-won, who is active as an entertainment MC, recently shared his recent news through social media. He is seen smiling brightly at the filming site of 'Talkpawon 25시' in a neat outfit matching a striped shirt with a tie. Lee Chan-won said, "Mondays are truly best when I'm with the 'Talkpawon 25시' MC," adding, "Everyone, tune in to JTBC at 8:50 PM today to go on a virtual trip with Chan-won."

Born in Ulsan, Gyeongsangnam-do, and raised in Daegu, Lee Chan-won was called a 'Trot Prodigy' since childhood. After experiencing various music programs such as 'National Singing Contest,' he secured nationwide recognition by finishing 3rd and being selected as the first 'Mi' on the competition program 'Mr. Trot.' After completing his military service, he continued his dream of becoming a singer while helping with his parents' business and working part-time, setting March 14, 2020—the day he won on Mr. Trot—as his official debut date.

Currently active as a trot singer, broadcaster, and creator under his agency TN Entertainment, Lee Chan-won builds a deep bond with his fan club, 'CHAN’S.' To his fans, whose name carries the meaning of wishing to be a good opportunity for each other, he greets them by saying, "I love you today, tomorrow, and always."

Lee Chan-won's musical growth is proven by numbers. With the single 'Convenience Store' released in 2021, he achieved his first No. 1 on a music program. 'A Very Good Day,' which he participated in writing and composing, recorded No. 1 multiple times on 'The Trot Show.' In particular, the 2023 song 'Sky Lantern' took numerous No. 1 spots on 'The Show' and 'The Trot Show,' earning a place in 'The Trot Show' Hall of Fame.

Following the release of his first full-length album 'ONE' in 2023, he expanded his musical spectrum through his 2nd mini-album 'bright; 燦' in 2024. His 2nd full-length album 'Chanran (燦爛)' in 2025 strengthened his trot and adult contemporary colors. 'Sky Travel,' released in 2024, achieved No. 1 on 'Music Bank' and 'Show! Music Core,' setting a rare record for a trot song to win on terrestrial music shows. Subsequently, the 2025 song 'Somehow Today' also recorded No. 1 on 'Show! Music Core.'

Having proven his powerful fandom by conducting the solo concert 'Chan's Time' as a 27-show nationwide tour across 9 cities, Lee Chan-won maintains top rankings among male trot soloists, with numerous songs including 'Let's Have a Meal' taking No. 1 on 'The Show' and 'The Trot Show.'