Forget about “Physical 100.” Netflix is now set to release its first Korean cooking reality series, featuring 100 renowned chefs and talented cooks in a fierce culinary showdown.
The show, titled “Culinary Class Wars,” was inspired by a simple question: Who would cook better — a Michelin-starred chef or a cook from a beloved mom-and-pop diner? co-producer Kim Hak-min said at a media event in Seoul on Wednesday.
The original concept evolved to include the idea of dividing the chefs into two groups — Black Spoon and White Spoon — and having them face off against each other. The Black Spoon group consists of talented but under-recognized cooks, while the White Spoon group features chefs who are already well-established in the culinary world, according to the producer.
Paik Jong-won, producers Kim Hak-min and Kim Eun-ji and chef Ahn Sung-jae pose for photos at a press event for the Netflix cooking reality show “Culinary Class Wars” in Seoul on Sept. 11, 2024. (Yonhap)
Paik Jong-won, producers Kim Hak-min
and Kim Eun-ji and chef Ahn Sung-jae pose for photos at a press event for the Netflix cooking reality show “Culinary Class Wars” in Seoul on Sept. 11, 2024. (Yonhap)
The show features the largest set ever built for a cooking reality show in Korea — large enough for 40 chefs to cook simultaneously, according to another producer Kim Eun-ji.
“As for the challenges, I can confidently say they are unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Viewers will be pleasantly surprised,” she added.
Paik Jong-won, a renowned restaurateur and popular TV personality, along with Ahn Sung-jae, the nation’s only Michelin 3-star chef, will serve as judges to crown the country’s top cook.
“I was intrigued by the potential for a Netflix show to showcase Korean cuisine, which in turn could help expand the country’s culinary industry,” Paik said, explaining his motivation for joining the show. “Being part of a program that promotes Korean cuisine to a global audience holds symbolic significance for me,” he added. Chef Ahn expressed
similar sentiments.
Paik Jong-won, a renowned restaurateur and popular TV personality, speaks during a media event for the Netflix Korean original competition series “Culinary Class Wars” in Seoul on Sept. 11, 2024. (Yonhap)
Paik Jong-won, a renowned restaurateur and popular TV personality, speaks during a media event for the Netflix Korean original competition series “Culinary Class Wars” in Seoul on Sept. 11, 2024. (Yonhap)
The two judges said that the foremost criterion for evaluating the contestants’ food is taste, to the extent that they even went blindfolded to ensure a more objective assessment. They often engaged in intense, lengthy debates to reach a consensus on the winner.
“We both felt it was important to make the right decision, no matter how long it took to reach a consensus, given what’s at stake for the participants,” Ahn said.
“This is a competition show and, by its nature, there will be a winner. However, I don’t believe there is a loser in the show,” he said, adding, “It took immense c
ourage for everyone to participate, risking their careers. I hope everyone is proud of themselves.”
Paik hoped the show would inspire viewers to explore Korea beyond Seoul, encouraging them to experience diverse regional cuisines.
“I hope this serves as an opportunity to present fresh content about Korea, allowing people to discover its seasonal flavors and culture in a new light,” he added.
The first four episodes of the 12-part show will premiere on Tuesday, with the remaining episodes being released in batches over the next three Tuesdays.
Source: Yonhap News Agency
