At 65, Lotte Hotel Chef Kim Song-ki Promoted to Executive After Leading APEC Dinner
Creatrip Team
3 months ago
Lotte Hotel promoted Kim Song-ki, 65, to executive (상무) in its 2026 personnel reshuffle, recognizing his long career and performance-driven achievements. Kim joined Hotel Lotte in 1982 and has served as head chef and team leader at several properties. He gained attention for directing high-profile state and international summit dinners— including the 2022 Korea-U.S. presidential banquet at the National Museum of Korea, the 2023 "Korea Night" in Davos using Korean-sourced ingredients, and the recent APEC leaders’ banquet in Gyeongju. For APEC he led menu development using local specialties (e.g., Gyeongju beef 'Cheonnyeon Hanwoo' and Wando abalone), refining dishes through over ten review rounds. Kim has received national honors including the Industrial Service Medal (2013), selection as a Korea Master Chef (대한민국 명장, 2016), and a Foreign Ministry commendation (2020). Lotte says the promotion reflects a job-based HR approach that elevates proven expertise and innovation.
