JYP Entertainment’s Cafeteria: More Than Just Meals
K-Pop mogul Park Jin Young, famously known as J.Y. Park or JYP, recently pulled back the curtain on the legendary JYP Entertainment company cafeteria, giving fans a glimpse into what fuels the stars and trainees of one of the biggest agencies. His appearance on MBC’s entertainment program “The Manager” on August 1st revealed surprising details about his daily life and, more specifically, the agency’s commitment to food quality.
Dining with members of Team Park Jin Young at the company, JYP shared insights into the cafeteria that has long been a topic of curiosity among fans. “We don’t use MSG. There are no plastic or aluminum items in the kitchen,” he stated, emphasizing that every menu item is crafted with domestically sourced organic ingredients. This commitment to healthy eating is clearly a cornerstone of JYP’s vision.
The manager accompanying JYP couldn’t hide their pride, exclaiming, “It tastes much better than what you can buy outside. I even come on my days off to eat here. The oil they use is top quality. It’s truly delicious.” J.Y. Park further elaborated on the importance of preparation, adding, “Frying is really important. The fried food is made with organic cold-pressed oil. Even if you eat a lot, it digests well.” This meticulous attention to detail highlights the agency’s dedication to providing nourishing, guilt-free meals.
J.Y. Park’s Heartfelt Philosophy: Feeding “His Own Kids”
Perhaps the most heartwarming revelation came when J.Y. Park spoke about his philosophy behind the cafeteria’s exceptional standards. “While the trainees are here, I think of them as my own kids and want to feed them well. When I saw trainees at the previous office eating instant food from convenience stores, I felt guilty. Their parents entrusted them to us, and even if they don’t debut, I consider them my own kids and want to feed them properly. We monitor their health, feed them organic food, and have them read required books.” This truly showcases JYP’s paternal approach to artist development, extending beyond training to holistic well-being.
The conversation took an even more surprising turn when Yoo Byung Jae inquired about the cafeteria’s future during an office move. J.Y. Park enthusiastically responded, “The kitchen will be three times larger, and we’ll get approval to provide lunchboxes.” And for the million-dollar question – do employees pay for this gourmet experience? His simple answer, “It’s free,” left everyone astounded.
The Price of Premium: JYP’s Investment in Well-being
Such high standards naturally come with a significant cost. J.Y. Park revealed, “Last year, kimchi alone cost ₩220 million KRW (about $152,000 USD). If only the kimchi weren’t organic, the cost would be less.” An employee’s testimony further underscored the cafeteria’s impact: “I think JYP food is the best in Seongnae-dong. Since eating this, my health has gotten better. When I eat here, I’m so full that I’m not even tempted to snack afterward.” It’s clear that JYP’s investment in quality food isn’t just a luxury; it’s a core part of the company’s culture and employee well-being.
