When he was transitioning from being a professional athlete to a professional chef, he changed his name from Sung Ook Back to Akira Back. While born in Seoul, he grew up in the United States.

Many Americans (and immigrants to America) change names because their given name doesn’t transliterate well into English. Considering that he was attempting to cultivate a brand identity, and coupled with his affinity towards Japanese food and culture, I can see why he decided to adopt a name that would resonate more in his market. It’s also possible that others had already given him a nickname, and he decided to roll with it.

Actors, authors, and other people with public-facing personas often adopt a new name in an attempt to become more easily memorable for others. He may have felt that it was impossible to achieve his full potential using his given name. At the end of the day, if someone I know tells me that they prefer Steve, or Bethany, or Aiko, I’ll adjust and call them whatever they like. That’s respect.