Originating from Jeollanam-do, Korea, Chef Sungchul Shim nurtured his culinary passion in family kitchens before honing his skills in esteemed restaurants like Le Bernardin and Per Se. In 2019, he unveiled Kochi, earning a Michelin star for his refined take on Korean skewered dishes. His subsequent venture, Mari, a handroll focused restaurant in Hell's Kitchen, also garnered Michelin acclaim.

Expanding his culinary reach, Sungchul recently introduced Dondon, offering a delectable range of Korean BBQ, and Mari.ne, a casual venue spotlighting the richness of Korean rolls. Sungchul's journey represents his unceasing pursuit of culinary innovation and his commitment to sharing the intricate flavors of Korean cuisine with the world.