Taekyung Chung is a Korean ex-pat who has lived in Japan for 17 years. She is a frequent contributor to newspapers and magazines who has taught Korean cooking for 20 years and is also the author of two previously published books. Debra Samuels has taught cooking for over two decades. She has done countless cooking demonstrations and classes all over the Boston area as well as for the United States Embassy in Tokyo. She also developed the popular "Kids Are Cooking" series on food, culture and nutrition for Boston's Children's Museum in the United States. Ms. Samuels is also a food writer and food stylist for The Boston Globe. Additionally, Ms. Samuels was awarded the 2020 John Thayer Award from the Japan Society in Boston. The John E. Thayer, III Award was established in 1991 to recognize the achievements of individuals, groups of individuals or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the progress of the understanding and friendship between the people of the United States and Japan.