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Kim Dae-min
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It's official: Kim Dae-min is one of the best professional bartenders in Asia. Four years since becoming a professional bartender, the 29-year-old has established himself not only in Asia but worldwide. He chose the profession, he says, because he "wanted to be happy."
"Bartenders are happy when they see people having fun," he says. "I think if I get a theoretical background in drink, cocktail, recreation and management, I will be successful not only in bartending but also in the cultural and entertainment business. That is why I've been studying the theory of cocktails as well as business management for several years."
Kim was 22 when he learned about bartending as profession. Since then, he participated in various competitions, and the year 2006 was a turnaround in his career. "The Golden Shaking Cup is the largest competition in Korea, where both Korean and foreign bartenders compete and is adjudicated by foreign referees. It is dubbed the Olympics by Korean bartenders. I ranked second in that competition," he says. He turned professional after he won the competition.
Kim stood out right from the first international competition in 2007. To compete at Roadhouse in Britain is a dream for any bartender, and Kim was the first and only Asian to win a spot in the competition by winning one of the five World Opens.
Of course, life as a bartender hasn't always been easy. "I had cuts around the eyes and forehead so many times," he recalls. "I injured my wrist and elbows numerous times. But what is more difficult than having to endure all these injuries is the fact that I have to adjust to a totally different lifestyle from that of normal people. I work at night and sleep during the day. I thought I would be fine with this after a year or two, but even after eight years, it is still the most difficult part of the job."
(englishnews@chosun.com )
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