A note from Sean’s family and friends,
Sean passed away on April 23rd, 2025 surrounded by family.
Many have known him in recent years for his culinary accomplishments. After several stints opening and working in many highly acclaimed culinary destinations in Southeast Michigan, Sean began working as a self-described ‘Rogue Chef’. He went on to craft countless creative gastronomic experiences for the public, in pop-up formats that few chefs had ever attempted. He was a trailblazer in the culinary community, later executing multi-course dining experiences that defied the limits of a traditional restaurant, and told intricate personal stories through food. In recent years, Sean worked tirelessly to bring his unique personal identity to the forefront of his cooking. Through that process, he created a deeply loyal following through his vision of what Korean-American food could be, and what it meant to him.
Sean struggled with his health for the past several years. But through his sickness, he maintained his gregarious and charismatic presence. Sean’s love for the people around him and the craft he devoted himself to was larger than life. His voice was the loudest in the room, and anybody in his vicinity was instantly compelled to take part in his antics and join in on the fun he was having.
Visitation will take place at The Trenton Chapel of The Martenson Family of Funeral Homes, Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 3 pm until 8 pm, Sunday, April 27, 2025 from 11 am – 8 pm and Monday, April 28, from 11 am until the funeral service begins at 12 pm. For more details please refer to the link in his bio.
This evening @josephvanwagner invited @goblin.king me to his well deserved new restaurant, @echelonannarbor in celebration of my birthday. All I can say is that I am blown away from the experience. The level of excellence the staff executed is second to none. Quite a fresh approach to dining in the area. Thank you so such to Joe and the lovely staff including but not limited to Taylor and JJ. What an absolutely remarkable meal!
It was very unlike myself to cry for help yesterday on my story. Historically, I’m one to roll with the punches and avoid sharing my problems with the world and loved ones, alike. The truth of the matter is, I have been absent from social media for quite some time, reason being, I’ve just felt too unwell and embarrassed to show my face. About 5 years ago I was diagnosed with acute ESRD (end stage renal disease) due to a history of poorly managed type 1 diabetes and a sudden fall down a flight of stairs. Being admitted I had gained 70lbs of water as I could not/cannot produce urine. Over that time, I’ve had several life threatening msra infections in my feet, resulting in the amputation of 1/2 my right foot, hearing loss, hair loss, loss of mobility, brain lacerations, as well as heavy loss of motor skills in my hands. I’ve endured extreme pain from a rare life threatening skin condition called calcifilaxsis, not to mention needing to be attached to a dialysis machine 12 hours every night and a hearty medication routine along with it. Of course all of these struggles ultimately made me unable to work, nor can my mother, as I completely depend on her for the time being, so we both live on my disability. I travel to doctor appointments 5 days a week and have been living a pretty mundane life otherwise. It’s not all bad news though. I am slowly regaining strength and mobility through physical and occupational therapy, medical bills are paid for by the government, and although strenuous, my relationship with my family has been the best it ever has. I consider myself lucky and well loved. This post was not intended for attention or meant to petty self. I’m not looking for help or money or anything really. I was just humbled by the number of you that reached out and made sure I was okay. I felt like I owed you all an explaination. All I’ve ever done is cooked. It’s all I think about it’s all I long to do and I miss it so much. I really don’t know what’s in the cards for me at this point, but Ive got a long road to wellness and it will all be worth it when I can feed you again. Thanks.
It absolutely breaks my heart to find out that Hana Korean Restaurant, in Ypsilanti, is closing. Hana is the first restaurant I ate at when I was adopted from Korea. It’s where I celebrated so many special occasions; yet simply and casually, dined just to feel some familiarity and comfort. 30 years I’ve sat at those tables and drank hot barley tea, I’ve shared memories with loved ones, and sat in solitude with my thoughts as well as made important decisions. Nowhere will you find a more authentic, family-style, Korean restaurant and it really is a tragedy to see it’s doors close. Most importantly, I hope for whatever reason the family made their decision is overcome in good health and triumph. Such a sad day.
Takeover @ladder4winebar 5pm start time. First come first served. No reservations required. Be there or be 🟥 #detroitfood #detroitwine #detroitpopup #metrodetroitfoodie #detroitfoodie #wholelottagangshit
What an amazing weekend of food and music and service in our neighborhood. From beats, birthday parties, babies and burgundy to fantastic food, friends and fun, these last two days were special. Sean’s food was so good that my brother and I ate the entire menu one day and most of it again the next. Chapeau chef. Well done. Thanks to everyone tagged for their contributions. I am so grateful to be surrounded by such talented people. Thank you to everyone who came and felt the vibe.
Doing a full restaurant takeover this weekend @ladder_4_wine_bar ! Come hang, snag some food, have some wine paired by the man himself, @omy.bnb . Tell all your friends! Design work by @mark_why_
Hey there y’all, y’all’s, and all’s y’all’s; I’m hosting a dinner sponsored by @twojames at @popsforitalian with cocktail guru @sovereign.detroit next Wednesday. Tickets are $100 and include 5 food courses and 5 cocktails. What a whacky deal!
Hey guys, I have some space left for my @framehazelpark dinner this Friday and Saturday. My dinner series, “Bansa” has served as a cultural learning practice, in terms of identity exploration. For me, it’s balancing aspects of the cuisines I’ve experienced cooking over more than a decade, paired with the long enjoyed, but newly accustomed Korean flavors and techniques of my ethnicity. It would mean the world to me if you are able to join and experience my most intimate sense of self yet. Link in the bio. 📸: @joevaughn ✏️: @mark_why_ #detroitfoodporn #detroitfood #detroitfoodie #annarboreats #annarborfoodie #annarborfood #detroitpopup #detroitdining
