https://maangchi.substack.com/p/january-2026-a-personal-note

"Happy New Year! A bowl of New Year’s tteokguk for all of you!

Dear friends,

As we begin a new year, I want to share something personal with you.

My husband, David, who worked quietly behind the scenes on my website for the past 18 years, passed away recently. He was my cameraman, my editing partner, and my greatest supporter, and everything we built here was something we did together.

I want you to know that I am still here, and I will continue to be part of this community in the same way I always have by sharing, encouraging, and connecting through Korean food.

New videos may take a little longer for now as I make new arrangements, but our community is not going anywhere. I will return to making videos, step by step, when the time is right.

Thank you for your patience, your kindness, and for being here with me as I move forward.

Maangchi"

by joshhan

43 Comments

  1. Impressive-Mood2642

    Thank you for this and my heart goes out to you and your family. Please take all the time you need – we will be here.

  2. teachcooklove

    My condolences on your loss. Please take care of yourself.

  3. I feel terrible being that person, but I’m curious why this is being posted by u/joshhan

    I haven’t seen this news posted to Maangchi’s youtube, instagram or website, and OP’s post history doesn’t indicate a relationship to Maangchi in anyway. It feels very bad to be skeptical of such tragic news, but I feel we should be responsible and verify our sources, this being the internet where people spread horrible lies for karma.

    EDIT:
    Thank you for the additional info, repliers. I’m so sorry to hear this terrible news, hearts out to Maangchi.

  4. fantastic_foible

    So sorry for your loss, please don’t push yourself. Much love Xx

  5. IndigoBlueSky9

    Heartfelt Condolences for your loss. 😪

    Blessings, Prayers and Meditations to/for you and your family, Maangchi.

    Please remember to take time for rest and your own healing. 🙏🏽

  6. Bhamrentalhelp

    Maangchi was a huge part of my teens as I learned about food, I’m so sorry to hear

  7. _hanboks

    That’s super sad. Maangchi is such a bright person, hopefully she will find consolation in her community. May he rest in peace ❤️

  8. Extreme-Fan-179

    Please accept my condolences. Love and hugs to you and your family 💕❤️

  9. pepidotcom

    My condolences❤️ wishing you all the best

  10. nite1041

    Sorry for your loss
    May he rest in peace 💐

  11. Exolotl17

    I’m so sorry for your loss and I am wishing you lots of strength and room to grieve for the upcoming time. May David rest in peace 🕯️

  12. BrainGiggles

    I’m so sorry for your loss. Please take whatever time you need for yourself during this time.

  13. Sending love and prayers for you. You and he together made a tremendous contribution towards getting Korean food recognition that was long overdue in popular American culture.

  14. Quizlibet

    My thoughts are with you maangchi -he sounds like an amazing man

  15. F0rthel0ve0fd0gs

    Maangchi, I am so sorry for your loss. Take as much time as you need. The community understands you need some personal space and time to be with family. We’re here to support you when you feel the time is right to return. Thank you to you and your husband for everything you’ve done for the community so far.

  16. eilselivery

    Aww Maangchi! I’m so heartbroken to hear this. Hope you’re taking care of yourself & resting well. Can’t wait to connect with you again when you’re ready. Sending lots of love xx

  17. Additional_Travel911

    I’m so sorry for your loss. We appreciate everything that you and he built together.

  18. TheManicProgrammer

    Condolences on your loss 😔

    Your food was an awakening to Asian food and Korea in general and even now many years later, I finf myself with a Korean partner (not intentional) today was their birthday and I used your seaweed soup recipe.

    Every month your recipes and cooking help connect me and my partner.

    Take care of yourself during this difficult time ❤️

  19. faint_watery_star

    My condolences. I am so sorry for your loss.

  20. haeshuji

    oh no, so sorry for your loss maangchi 🙁

  21. ConsciousDesigner590

    I’m deeply sorry to hear this news.

  22. Aw. That is absolutely terrible. My heart aches for her. I hope she takes all the time to herself that she needs.

  23. MadMagieMagPiPlanter

    She is the reason I eat Korean food. So sad.

  24. ocean_800

    Lost him so young 😭 my condolences to her and her family that’s read sad 🙁

  25. MochiFluffs

    Thanks for sharing. I love her yt channel and I have learned so much from her. ♥️

  26. Automatic-Fix-7569

    😢 May he rest in peace and may Maangchi cope well

  27. SophiePuffs

    Oh my gosh this actually made me tear up. I’ve watched Maangchi since her very first video. So sad for her and her family.