John Namkoong

John Namkoong is a contestant from Survivor: Nauru.

Profile
Name (Age): John Namkoong (33)

Tribe Designation: Baitsi

Current Residence: Long Beach, CA

Occupation: Chef

Claim to Fame: Opening my restaurant, together with my fiance actually, three years ago in California. It’s a great restaurant focused on korean cuisine, definitely worth checking out if you live on the area.

Inspiration in Life: My daily inspiration is my fiance Jim, he is a running coach that I met while seeking out a healthier lifestyle. I had a phase in my life that I weighed over 350 pounds, and it was a burden for me. Today, I’m a very changed guy, I’m on 220 pounds and it’s mainly lean body mass, I’m definitely a changed man, and he helped me achieve that through motivating me and not letting me quit.

Hobbies: Running every morning, spending time with Jim, cooking, playing with my two cats, a good beet here and there.

Pet Peeves: I do believe there is a space reserved in hell for people that don’t respect food. Eating is a blessing that many people around the world don’t get to experience, unfortunately, and for me disrespecting food or different food cultures is...unforgivable. I also really dislike clients that think we are all robots and that we must serve them right when they want it, I mean, it takes some time to cook a good meal.

3 Words to Describe You: Approachable, Strong, Educated

SURVIVOR contestant you are most like: As cliche as it sounds, I want to be the next Yul. Watching that guy win was one of my favourites TV moments, and I want to be the next guy to win and represent the Asian community, and I do like the strategic aspect of Survivor, which he totally mastered.

Reason for being on SURVIVOR: I like to think I’m here for more than just the money. It’s a great experience to have and also, a very cool game I’m excited to play. I was a chess champion as a kid and I think that will come in handy while playing this. But yeah, the money is awesome as well, it will help the restaurant and also my wedding with Jim will finally become reality.

Why do you think you will “survive” SURVIVOR?: I think I’m coming into this game with open arms, I’m ready for anything that it throws me, I’m really expecting the worst conditions, which means my mind is ready for it all. Maybe my body will break, but I doubt it, I’ve become one of the healthiest men you will ever meet...so I feel like mind & body...I’m ready.

Why do you think you will be the Sole SURVIVOR?: As I said, I’m expecting everything on this game, and it’s not only the natural aspect, but also the game and twists. I’m a good planner, chess has taught me to think ahead on your next moves and also try to predict your opponent’s next move, and I’m using that on Survivor.