Day In The Life of A Korean Fish Cake Master
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 มี.ค. 2023
- Hidden away in a local market 2 hours outside of Seoul, a small shop named Mr. Song's Handmade Fishcakes can be found. Every day, Mr. Song wakes up early to make 30 different kinds of fish cakes from scratch. From preparing different colored vegetable pastes for his 5-color specialty fish cakes, to stuffing others with cheese and hot dogs, or even shaping fish balls with his bare hand, Mr. Song is well recognized across Korea for his mastery of fish cake making. Even having appeared on some of Korea's most prestigious television programs alongside A-list celebrities, he remains a humble and kind man who cares deeply about his customers.
I remember watching a video about Mr. Song's fish cake making skills 3 years ago and being absolutely blown away by his dexterity and precision. In that moment, I told myself that eventually, one day no matter what, I would make a video with this man.
3 years later, my dream came true. This is a special video for me, not only because I was able to shoot a fantasy video of mine, but also because I was able to see the raw behind-the-scenes of what being a food street vendor in Korea is actually like.
Thank you to Mr. Song and his family for letting me into your life for a day - that was more fulfilling than I could have dreamed of.
Mr. Song's Handmade Fishcakes:
119, Jangnae-ro, Manan-gu, Anyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
경기 안양시 만안구 장내로 119
This video is also the first time I've been able to collaborate with individual musical artists to curate specific songs for certain scenes. Their talent is mindblowing and I'm really happy I got to use their work:
yutaka hirasaka
Song: a beautiful day
linktr.ee/yutakahirasaka
Guitarist / Composer, based in Tokyo
Seycara
Songs: mint chocolate chip, of frogs & lilypads, sky's end
Spotify - open.spotify.com/artist/1tdHP...
Apple Music - / seycara-orchestral
TH-cam - / seycara
Foxwood
Song: Elmwood Lane
Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/1OPLp...
Apple: / foxwood
linktr.ee/foxwoodtunes
Lastly, thank you to my translator, Philip, for making this video possible. Making videos in non-English languages is really important to me, especially when so many incredible food places exist around the world. If you're looking for a Korean translator that'll go above and beyond, Philip can be reached at kopja93@gmail.com
My personal channel:
/ alvinzhou1
Instagram: / alvin.zhou
"Fish cakes are often labeled as cheap food for commoners" hearing him say that hurt cause I love fish cakes and even with a better family finanical situation fish cake stew is something I crave and love. The fact that he said he takes 2 days off only to remember he actually takes one is heartbreaking as well, "because I did it all for her."
nobody said that fish cakes are cheap food for commoners, like bro everyone eats it regardless of being poor or rich
@@Nabem0n0o he said that in the video
@@noslmj I know but what he said in the video was wrong
Your last sentence. That totally got to me. Definitely couldn't hold in tears anymore after that (if I managed that long in the first place).
It’s definately not as profitable for the vendors, but cheap food for the commoners are super awesome. Don’t get why people have shame about that, fry chicken from black slaves, korean army pot from American trash can and the fish cake in this video. They are nothing special, but they are very special.
I feel like Alvin has quickly become a master at this medium/art. The pacing of story with the music on these documentaries are always enjoyable and peacefully climatic. 24 minutes felt like 7. I can't even imagine what he'll have the opportunity to document throughout his life - all I know is that it will be wonderful journey.
its almost meditative it's so peaceful and interesting and positive. I love how he plays with 'white space' audio, like where there's no music or talking, just the sounds of someone doing their craft/living their life. just fantastically edited and put together all around
When I first came upon his stuff from the About to Eat channel, I knew I'd found something different on TH-cam. His storytelling and execution are so tranquil. You just get brought in. It's a pleasure to see him grow and continue creating.
@@vivsevs1087 It works and feels authentic because it is. In the sense that he allows the characters in their films to tell their story, and he is simply there to capture it all. Amazing technique he has, undoubtedly.
Totally agreed, Cag! It’s a joy to experience
Wanted to give the musicians I worked with another shoutout. Anime and video games are my biggest source of inspiration when it comes to how I edit these videos, and a huge part of that is the beautiful soundtrack that often accompanies certain scenes. NieR: Automata, Final Fantasy 7, Your Lie In April, Your Name, and Garden Of Words are a few examples of my all-time inspirations that have these incredible, emotional scenes that are driven by their soundtrack.
It's a bit difficult to explain, but sometimes when I hear particular songs, they transport me away to a fantastical scene about a person who makes food in a faraway place. The scene doesn't exist in reality yet, but I can see it clearly in my mind and the feelings are powerful enough to make me want to bring that scene to life. This time around, that faraway place was a street food market in Korea.
Hearing "elmwood lane" by foxwood, "sky's end" by Seycara, and "a beautiful day" by yutaka hirasaka, I was so struck by how incredible these compositions were that they all eventually ended up in scenes crafted around those tracks. Thanks for letting me feature your incredible work (:
keep playing video games and watching anime, they should be considered an art form of the highest degree.
p.s. my korean is not great, I'm working on it though.
Everything about these documentaries are amazing, and the music is just another aspect that makes me feel so emotional while watching these. Its always the best part of my daying seeing a new one posted on here, and spending the next half an hour or so waiting to enevitibly start crying because of how everything comes together, the editing, music, and just people, being people.
I'm so happy that seycara and you collabed
Thanks Alvin, I’m delighted to work with a fellow visionary who has such a compelling artistic aesthetic so similar to my own.
After watching this, I’ve developed a deep respect and appreciation for these master artisans that work not only to continue their craft, but bring culinary joy to common everyday people.
I heard your voice and I literally squealed, "AHH!!! Alvin's speaking Korean! GO YOU!"
Dude, your content rocks mate. Keep up the good stuff.
I already felt a little guilty towards the end about how hard he works and still considers himself poor, then the ending interview was a real gut punch. You've hit another home run, Alvin.
I clicked for a casual watch but now I've broken down into cathartic tears. I went to Korea once and probably walked by so many vendors, seemingly ordinary people, without much thought. But you've done such a beautiful job giving us a snippet of this man's life, a look into their day, and putting their humanity on full brilliant, candid display. I love seeing his passion and the all too universal story of scraping by to support those you love-he did this for his parents and now for his daughter.
It made me really miss my dad too, because he's traveling in Vietnam and gone from home for a long time, both for the first time ever. There's an ocean between us. Seeing Mr. Song's boundless love in this video made so many different feelings rush towards me. So overwhelming. But in a good way. Thank you for a touching work of art. I'm definitely going to come back to it again and again. It's so much more than a story of making fish cakes. Cry.
he's pouring his heart out for his daughter and being the most honest man also 😢 great video tbh 🥰
I love the raw voice you give to different cuisines by allowing the people to speak for themselves
Well said!
i did not expect to cry when i first clicked on this video... but growing up as the appointed oldest daughter has not always been easy for me and this video really puts in a new perspective on my dad and how he may have felt when i was growing up and it really got me emotional. thank you so much for all the work and effort you put in the video alvin! love the video as always
right there with you drowning in tears ಥ◡ಥ my dad is overseas long-term for the first time and this video is pulling all the heartstrings
This was beautifully executed. Mr. Song reminds me so much of my dad. My dad has given up a lot for me (and my other siblings). He's a 9/11 survivor and immigrant. He works on a halal push cart in NYC. When I was in high school and early college when I would want to see him, he never had time for just us. Only at the cart. So I would find myself serving people coffee and tending to their orders while my dad barked lecturing words over the blistering grill, "Study more! Don't mess around!"
We tried filming a documentary together several years ago. It lives on a hard drive because I felt raw and scared. He works himself to death and always tries to make his customers laugh. He is always taking trains by himself at 3 in the morning. Feeds birds, would pray in Central Park.
Somehow, even though my dad doesn't speak Korean and Mr. Song doesn't speak Arabic, I feel like they would understand eachother. What it means to sacrifice, to build for the next generation. Thank you for making this piece. I didn't realize how much sadness I still held in me. It's like a well.
This is so beautiful. You should definitely uncover the hard drive, even in its rawest form.
Wake up soldiers, Alvin has posted!!!
Up n ready for this epic content 😎😎
Yes sir
I get so happy when I see him post a video
honoured to have contributed some small part to this incredible story ❤ beautiful work as always Alvin, and thank you Mr. Song for sharing your world!
The soundtrack elevates the narrative in such indescribable ways. Thank you for your work!!
All of Alvin's films are absolute class. Between the BBQ restaurant, the Taiwanese restaurant, and this video, his films offer a sort of intimacy and emotion that no other food videos do. You feel like you're with the chefs and staff right in their space, and rooting for their success throughout the day. Excited for the next one!
This video made me want to fly over to Korea and find Mr. Song's shop, as well as had me wishing I could speak Korean so I could converse with this gem of a man.
the shot at 19:46 that pans up on Mr Song as he talks about achieving cake master status is immaculate. bravo Alvin
I am Hapa and Second Gen Korean. I have never been to my mothers homeland and as I get older and older I fear I may never will. This little shop brought tears to my eyes. Giving me a little insight into a country that will always be a part of me. I really look forward to experiencing more through your eyes. Thank you so much for this.
I wish this man every success in his life, he sacrificed everything for his family and I admire that more than anything, cannot put it into words, had me in tears at the end, music tied it altogether perfectly
"Because I did it all for Her"
- A father, forgotten dreams, restless days, tearless eyes, without a regret in heart, only to remember he doesn't take two, but one day off in a month, working everyday out of love for his child. 😢
I got a heart from the Artist himself.
Thank you Alvin.
I loved the message he gave towards the end. This whole video was a masterpiece, as usual.
This sort of reads as a love letter to his daughter. This is one of the most cozy and heartwarming stories i've been glad to witness in this life.
far and beyond my favorite content I've experienced on this site. There is always this narrative that follows these days for these people. We see their day at performing their crafts, and we see their day as they are as a person. It's so comforting and human to experience.
The last few minutes of this really goes to show how far people can go and push themselves through sheer mindset. That father is one powerful individual.
To have worked for so long, so hard, and still have such enthusiasm without letting himself wallow in any sense of regret is something else…❤ he loves his family man 😭😭
Put off watching this on a not so busy day just because I know how you carefully create each content, and this morning, I am crying my guts out because of this. Beautiful story of a man's love for his work much more so for his family, shot by a man dedicated to the art of cinematography and storytelling. Thank you for sharing this to the world, Alvin!
What an amazing, selfless human being. Mr. Song deserves all the success he's received and his daughter is very lucky to have such a hard working father, who cares about her so much
He is the example modern society is lacking today. This man sacrifices his entire life to take care of his family. Inspirational. God bless
I feel like this man is just the lovable grandpa. Who loves the simple things in life, loves his family, and loves fish cakes.
His love for his daughter is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen, thank you so much for sharing his story.
I know. I cried!!! So moving!
I don't usually comment but my god, your artistic expression is unparalleled! I genuinely look forward to seeing your videos more than main stream TV shows. I've been following your videos ever since you cooked that immaculate beef wellington. I just wanted to drop in to mention my appreciation for you! Keep up the great work :)
So glad I finally got around to watching this. It's amazing to see his speed and skill, but what was the best part was how honest he was. Honest about why he started making fish cakes, why he keeps making them, his regrets, his goals, all of it. Great stuff, I can't wait to see what you do next.
Him saying that if he really wanted to he would've gone to night classes for school hit home for me. This idea of "if you really wanted to, you would" is so powerful, and made me reflect on how I approach the things I'm doing in my life.
Just got to watching this series... Can truly feel the love and passion the chef has for his craft, the food, family and the overall 40+years' family business! He's funny, engaging, amazing at his work, encouraging and supportive towards his staff/family and polite towards the filming crew as well. He comes off as the appa/harabhoji who'd love to show off his cooking & feed you as he cooks.
I'm absolutely loving the way this series is being shot. Can really see Alvin's thought-process and direction coming through. The calmness when needed, the bright pop bg sounds wherever required -- typical of the way Alvin used to shoot his own home videos ---- Man were they a massive source of comfort to me during those covid times!!! Thanks Alvin, for being brave enough to explore the world and making your dreams come true as you do so!🙌🎉
The insight into fishcakes that we got from Mr Song, his raw passion and masterful skill just blew me away. Def one of my fav vids !!!
genuinely forgot this was about fish cakes five minutes in because i was so engrossed in the storytelling and cinematography, as usual. Alvin, you sure know how to shoot a video! your work with lighting and atmosphere always gives me Makoto Shinkai vibes, if that makes any sense at all: beautiful, in this wonderfully achy kind of way.
This gentleman is the true definition of a real man. Family first. Passion. Devotion. Professionalism. We should all aspire to these values. We should all be more like him. Thank you Alvin, that was a most excellent portrayal
This is a documentary I expect to see in the cinema. So well edited, filmed, presented. So beautiful was the presentation of this man's life, I came here to learn about his food, but I learned much more about his wants, his hopes for his family. Christ, I felt like I was family by the end of this. That takes a great story and an incredible director.
I was on the edge but I was pushed over when they pulled out the birthday cake for the interpreter
How fast a sense of community builds when you’re in such a tight space nonstop is portrayed beautifully in this moment
Bravo
I love this form of storytelling. These stories have been amazing so far and I look forward to hopefully many more.
Somebody definitely was cutting onions in the last minutes of the video. I wish him all the best, that he stays healthy and finds some time for himself to enjoy life for himself a bit.
Another masterpiece Alvin, Thank you.
You manage to find these great, genuine people and allow us to sample a little piece of their day through your amazing film creation.
Just a little editing tip, to make a video properly ultrawide (Film aspect ratio) the file needs to be that size, now I am just watching it with massive black borders on all sides of my screen.
Waiting for a new videoo patiently.. the best documentary so far..
the relationship he has with his daughter is so bittersweet, he wants to keep her close and teach her all he knows and she kinda hints about how she wants to go out and do her own thing
It's been a long time since i've teared up because of a piece of media. Gave me a new level of gratitude for how much my parents have sacrificed for me.
this hit me in so many ways, this generation is blessed for what they have and for what their parents gave up for. love the video man! touched me and probably many others!
I just recently discovered Alvin and my goodness, his videos are so good. They definitely deserve more recognition ESPECIALLY with the cinematography side of it. The shots, the colors, the sounds, I love it all. Definitely an inspiration
Honestly, this short film brought to me to tears
I can feel the emotion of every single person and especially, of the fish cake master
Hearing that he does this for his daughter with the hope that she has a good life really had an impact, it puts things into perspectives and forces me to ask myself some questions
Although Im no place to say this as Im not in any way special, that is some great work Alvin, you have became a master of your craft as well
Hats off to Alvin for making such a wonderful film and putting it on TH-cam. This is so well made and definitely deserves several rewatches.
i love these videos so much. the stories behind these people are heartbreaking and so inspiring at the same time. everytime these come out I get so excited
thank you alvin
Absolutely loving these little documentaries, Alvin. You have a GREAT eye for filmmaking.
My heart was stirred by your moving and touchable story❤️❤️. Thank you Alvin, and to the Fish Cake Master for his open sharing of his life. I felt honored to hear!
Thank you for this video Alvin. You put your heart into this, and it shows. Thank you for showing Mr. Song's passion and love for his craft!
i hope another one comes soon, all the documentaries are lovely, the shots and sound deisgn is truly amazing.
i look forward to each one of your films every time and they just keep getting better, you adn your production team have such a beautiful personal eye, thank you for your work!
Another masterpiece Alvin..... and Mr Song.... absolute perfection . I wish I could taste every one of those fishcakes . Well done !!!!
Man, watching this late at night in a dimly-lit room brings all the feels. As someone who is getting into videography, your videos are really inspiring, and I can learn a lot from them. As always, this was really fun to watch. Keep perfecting your craft, Alvin. You will go far in life.
So beautiful! Your channel is a hidden gem that deserves millions more viewers, seriously
Another genuinely incredible video. I've really loved the videos you've done so far on this channel and I can't wait for more
What an incredible documentary. I was absolutely blown away by just how perfectly you managed to encapsulate an entire day in just 24 minutes. I hope for nothing but the best both to you and Mr. Song
this is such an insightful video honestly - it’s really moving and motivating for me
I am so touched right now. Hats off Alvin I swear these documentaries make my day, I just love the way u bring these precious people who we regard as side characters in our life to the light. They truly deserve this recognition. I love how this gentleman is working hard for a better future for his daughter... It's just these little things that make u realise that people are very sympathetic we just have to understand them clearly
Out of all I've seen from you, this has been my favourite by far. Fly high, Alvin, and amazing job on this one.
thank you for capturing such a heartwarming story/life of someone in such a beautiful way
Alvin and the team behind his content so far are killing it! The amount of dedication and care in each video was definitely felt an shown. Cheers to you all!
Thank you Alvin. What great story telling… truly a beautiful video and thank you to Mr. Song for sharing his journey.
the storytelling is just amazing. the music combined with the true honesty and emotion in this mans words as he said he didnt regret it at all. honestly shockingly amazing and inspiring
Alvin, this is another absolutely beautiful film from you. You are amazing at capturing emotions, both happy or sad, and everything in between. For just starting this channel a short time ago, you’ve already mastered the storytelling and the filmmaking. You find interesting human beings, and it’s impossible to not watch the whole film.
Keep making these pieces of art and preserving our history! I’ll be here until you stop posting!
Musical choice, filming, and editing was so perfect. Was about to lowkey cry be the end man. Such a beautiful story.
This is really beautiful, and I think that this man is one of the most inspiring people I've ever seen. I am grateful to men like him every day.
this was a really touching documentary.... the music really really made the experience come together even more. thank you alvin, this is a work of love and it shows. the part at the end was especially really poignant... reminds me of my own dad and now i can see that my dad's working hard for me even though he can be annoying at times
Alvin creates some of if not the best day in the life content on this platform. Keep up the amazing work. 👏👏👏
The videos uploaded on this channel always manage to blow my expectations out of the water. Seriously quality. Thank you!
Alvin’s Korean is adding to the already high production value haha
Another masterpiece 🥹 the music at 5:26 making it feel like the most hype fish cake shop 😤
I love the way this story was told. I am glad to see that true story telling and the art of putting it on film well is not lost.
Keep up the good work man. Your videos are some of then best I’ve seen. Always excited to see what you drop next.
Thank you for another masterpiece Alvin! Love your films, all those quiet stories of defferent people and cultures. And, OMG, what a great and heartbreaking story, and what a craftsmanship! I didn't expect to cry when I clicked the video.
The stories and human interactions that come across these videos really transports you into the place being filmed. Alvin being able to tell a beautiful story within such a short span of time is incredible, from the stories of the people to the quiet moments of focusing on their crafts, and then there's the use of music and lack thereof at moments to really help engage us as well as slow us down to just enjoy the moments. Not to mention the B-roll is always so good, paired with the gentle piano in the back allowing us to see the passing of time in that space. Thank you Alvin and his team for creating and providing such amazing mini-documentaries in the lives of normal everyday people, it is always a blessing to enjoy the work that is put into these, again Thank you.
I mean this with the most respect, I haven't seen food videos like these since Bourdain passed, Keep up the excellent work. Getting people to tell their story, and to have the let you film it takes a great person to get this level of depth and comfort.
I'd feel very grateful to even have the chance to try this master's fish cakes, I'll never tire of watching people do/create things they love to do, even simple, common things can be lifted to true greatness by amazing passionate people.
Can't wait for another view into the life of the next master.
The visuals in this are stunning, thoroughly impressed and such a human story to be told, thank your for this
The daughter is having Po’s character arc from Kung Fu Panda. Dad is waiting for her to have the noodle dream but she is not having it. Hope he loves her enough to let her do something else if she wants to.
Another beautiful mini movie.. every single one of your videos has been 10/10 so far, I absolutely love them. Keep up the great work Alvin and much love from Germany! ❤️
This was such a beautiful and heartwarming piece of work 😭😭 I couldn’t stop watching!!! The shot composition, and the way Alvin captured the ambience was so pretty!!!
Again, another special film by Alvin and company. I could sit here all day and watch his very special stories. Thoughtful, tasteful and a true work of art. Thanks Alvin! I appreciate your artistry. Mr Song is a treasure.
Alvin, always showing and telling such beautiful and important stories of so many. ❤️
While this kind of video starts with highlighting masters of a certain food, I think it retains people by evolving into a story and a life. This video felt like we were let very deep into Mr. Song's personal life and I think that's why it feels so emotional when watching it. I definitely let out a few tears at the end. This is a super well done film, I hope to see more and more in the future.
Thank you! I always waiting for your series. Because its give me such a great time knowing people do their best at the things that they love ❤
Respect to that master not only for his skills but also his big heart and sacrifices for the family. And his honesty and hardworking is impressive.
It’s always a good day when you upload!
The videos are always excellent, clearly a lot of time and effort goes into making them :)
The depth in these amazing videos is astounding. I’m left in deep thought every time, it is amazing editing and story telling with great questions. Very emotional at the end, but that’s what’s beautiful about these raw documentaries.
I'll always respect and give all my admiration to people like him, even after all the things he's been through, he keeps pushing forward and just makes the best of what he have and learned. Amazing shortcut, Alvin. You inspire me a lot
I love this video and this man. It was so enjoyable to watch him master his craft and speak his words of wisdom. He says he's not educated, but I learned numerous things about life, food, and ways of happiness from him. What a positive and beautiful man. I love the last line, "Because I did it all for her." I hope for the best for him and his family. Thanks for making such a wonderful video to showcase this man and his lifes work. He deserves it.
I have been waiting for Alvin to finally post on his personal channel! I really love the attention to detail in his videos and you are able to rlly enjoy this when watching. From carefully selecting the background songs of scenes to letting the chef really show his passion, you're able to see that Alvin cares about the quality of his videos. Keep up the good work and I look forward to the next video!
What a lovely man and family.
Alvin, you have become an incredible filmmaker, the shooting, editing, and storytelling is awesome
I wish there was more content like this that I could find. So intimate & raw. I consistently want more as Alvin takes me on a journey each video. I bawled at the end especially coming from immigrant parents, I finally understand.
This feels like a beautiful tribute to the master Song Il Hyung. I hope he realizes how meaningful his life is and how inspiring his story is to many people around the world. (His fish cakes look so delicious! I’m practically salivating!!)
To Alvin: Thank you for the beautiful videos. I‘ve always been in awe of your videos(and recipes!), but seeing my home country through your eyes just makes this experience extra emotional. The mundane everyday life seen through your camera, coupled with the music really highlights the beauty in everyone’s lives. It always reminds me that there is true meaning and happiness in the simple things-which is a reassuring revelation in this chaotic, complicated world! Parts of this reminded me of my own family and the love that my parents have always given me. It makes me feel extra thankful today. Thanks for the wonderful emotions you brought me.
Another fantastic piece. I’m very glad to have found your channel.
Love him! Thanks for this beautiful documentary introducing us to him!
Alvin please never stop making these videos and highlighting these beautiful stories.
Actually some of the best videos I’ve ever seen. Like words can’t describe the detail that makes these videos the best.
your videos are awesome. thanks for putting in so much work, they look amazing
This was amazing to watch 😊..all that beautiful food.. The last part about him doing it all for his daughter made me cry 💔😭 ..I have subscribed thank you 👍😊
Absolutely love your work. This one really touched my heart!
Thank you
another awesome food documentaries, thank you for sharing them! i love fish cakes, thus why i love when you upload this, but then finishing the video, i love it even more because of the humanity you bring with mr song's story. thank you!