Korean cheerleader Lee Da-hye surprised customers at a Dapu Teppanyaki location on Wednesday (17), appearing behind the grill in a professional chef’s uniform. The incident, which was documented by a customer on the social media platform Threads, has since garnered over 94,000 views and 50,000 likes as fans reacted to her appearance, specifically noting her use of tattoo-style sleeves—a look colloquially referred to as “bao shou” (full sleeve) in Taiwan.
Public reaction and social media engagement
The viral post featured Lee performing service duties, including taking orders at the restaurant. While the customer who shared the experience jokingly noted a personal loss from sports betting, they described the encounter as a “lucky” event. Online commenters have largely engaged with the humor of the situation, with many fans praising her apparent attempt to blend into Taiwanese culture by adopting the “bao shou” aesthetic often associated with local teppanyaki chefs.
Did You Know? Lee Da-hye is a prominent digital content creator with a YouTube channel that currently boasts 1.03 million subscribers, where she frequently documents her experiences living and working in Taiwan.
Criticism regarding hygiene and professional conduct
Not all reactions were positive. Some social media users questioned the sanitary standards of the appearance, specifically noting that Lee was not wearing a face mask while working at the grill. Critics also suggested that the use of tattoo sleeves could be interpreted as disrespectful toward professional teppanyaki chefs. Some commenters alleged that the session appeared to be a staged photo opportunity rather than a genuine work shift, citing the reactions of other staff members present at the time.
Future implications and content strategy
The appearance at the restaurant is likely a segment for an upcoming video on Lee’s YouTube channel. Her manager, Lala, shared behind-the-scenes footage on Instagram showing Lee preparing for the role, confirming that the cheerleader has expressed a desire to challenge herself by experiencing various occupations across Taiwan. As of now, the footage from the Dapu Teppanyaki visit has not been uploaded to her official channel, but fans expect it to be released as part of her ongoing series exploring local industries.
Expert Insight: Lee’s decision to embed herself in local service roles serves as a dual-purpose strategy. It strengthens her public image as a figure who is “authentically” integrated into Taiwanese society while simultaneously generating high-engagement content for her digital platforms. The contrast between fan adoration and the criticism regarding hygiene highlights the fine line influencers must walk when performing “everyday” labor for entertainment purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Lee Da-hye working at a teppanyaki restaurant?
According to her manager, Lala, the appearance is part of an initiative for Lee to experience different occupations in Taiwan for her YouTube channel.
How did the public respond to her appearance?
The response was mixed. While many fans on Threads found her “bao shou” look humorous and endearing, others criticized the lack of a face mask and questioned if the act was disrespectful to professional chefs.
Has the video of this experience been released?
No, the footage from the restaurant has not yet been uploaded to Lee’s YouTube channel, though it is expected to be part of her future content.
How do you feel about celebrities participating in service-industry roles for online content?
