Former Korean star singer Lee Ji-yeon, known for hit songs like “Stop the Wind” and “I Still Don’t Understand Love,” is making headlines again—this time for her success in the culinary world. Lee’s American BBQ restaurant was recently featured in The New York Times (NYT).
On October 21, the NYT published a list of the top 25 restaurants in Atlanta, the largest city in the southeastern U.S., and included Heirloom Market BBQ, a fusion Korean BBQ restaurant co-owned by Lee and her ex-husband.
The publication praised the restaurant for blending Korean and Southern flavors, highlighting dishes such as gochujang-marinated ribs, kimchi coleslaw, and 12-hour smoked brisket with a miso glaze.
NYT described the restaurant as “The reward is barbecue that marries the best flavors of Korea and the American South.” It also raved about the variety of sauces, particularly the sweet and spicy one, which pairs perfectly with Korean fried chicken. The article added, “No one should leave without tasting their banana pudding topped with perfectly toasted meringue.”
The NYT clarified that all meals were paid for in full, with no complimentary dishes provided.
Lee later addressed the article on Instagram, clarifying that while NYT referred to chef Cody Taylor as her husband, the two had actually separated in 2022 but remain business partners and good friends.
Heirloom Market BBQ has previously been featured in Food & Wine as Georgia’s representative BBQ spot and was included in the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand list in October last year, a distinction for high-quality food at reasonable prices.
Lee, who debuted in 1987 and was once a beloved star alongside Kang Su-ji and Ha Su-bin, transitioned into a second career as a culinary expert after retiring from the entertainment industry in the 1990s and moving to the U.S.
BY JIHYE KIM, YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.youngnam@koreadaily.com]
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