The Korean cooking show “Culinary Class Wars” is taking Netflix by storm

Eight contestants and directors of the Netflix cooking survival show “Culinary Class Wars” pose during a press conference at the Naru Seoul MGallery Ambassador Hotel in Seoul on Monday. From left: chefs Edward Lee, Kang Seung-won, Jung Ji-sun, Yoon Nam-no, directors Kim Hak-min and Kim Eun-ji, chefs Jang Ho-joon, Kim Me-roung, Choi Hyun- Seok and Kwon Sung-jun. Yonhap

By Park Jin-hai

Netflix's first Korean cooking survival show, Culinary Class Wars, shows no signs of slowing down.

In a market full of cooking content, this show pits 100 chefs in spectacular culinary battles against renowned chefs exposing hidden culinary treasures. With only one day left until the final, intense cooking challenge announces the winner, the show has created a nationwide sensation.

Participating chefs such as Choi Hyun-seok, Choi Kang-rok, Jung Ji-sun, Lu Ching Lai and Edward Lee have become instant celebrities and their restaurants are seeing a surge in reservations.

The dishes that captivated viewers are now being offered as restaurant menu items, meal kits and packaged products. Online content includes visit logs to the chefs' restaurants, edited clips of their memorable quotes, and a curated list of over 100 restaurants from Seoul to Jeju on Naver Maps, all reflecting the audience's enthusiasm.

Its popularity has transcended borders: since its release on September 17, the Netflix show has been the most-watched non-English series worldwide for two weeks in a row. It is particularly popular in Korea, Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong.

“The love and support for the 100 chefs is overwhelming. “It's wonderful to see the positive impact on the Korean food industry,” said director Kim Eun-ji, expressing surprise at the immense popularity of the show during a press conference with the eight chefs created at the Hotel Naru Seoul MGallery Ambassador in on Monday Seoul in the top eight.

The production team attributed the show's success to the “perfect mix of experienced and new chefs.”

“The perfect harmony between the experienced and new chefs is the key to the popularity of the show. It's great that viewers were able to discover new sides of well-known chefs and meet new ones. Many people mentioned that they met Judge Anh Sung-“Jae through the show and learned about the incredible taste and passion for cooking of chefs like Paik Jong-won and Jung Ji-sun. The 100 Chefs were the heart of the show,” Kim added.

The 100 participants will be divided into two groups: the “Black Spoon” class, which includes 80 hidden cooking masters from different backgrounds, and the “White Spoon” class, consisting of 20 celebrity chefs. You take part in adrenaline-pumping, sports game-like cooking challenges.

“I thought I was going to be a judge, but they wanted me as a challenger. When I asked the producer why, I was told that I would look cooler as a challenger and I agreed,” said Choi Hyun-seok. one of the country's most famous celebrity chefs and owner of the high-end gourmet restaurant Choi Dot in Seoul.

“When I was first approached, they promised me that this program would allow me to shine by simply focusing on cooking. Unlike other cooking shows I have participated in that had entertainment elements, this show allowed me to focus solely on my cooking skills, and I really enjoyed that. I lacked inspiration and needed a new challenge,” he explained of his decision to take part in the show, adding that he closed his restaurant for 45 days to develop new menu items.

“I am sometimes criticized for creating new and unique dishes that are different from others, but through this show I have gained the confidence to know that I am on the right path. “I am grateful that this program has brought attention to the Korean food industry,” Choi said.

Another celebrity chef, Jung Ji-sun, owner and head chef of Tian Mimi, also shared her initial concerns about participating in the show.

“I had a lot of concerns when I was first approached. As an owner and chef with many employees watching you, it's easy to think that it would be embarrassing to lose. But I believed that showing that I work hard and overcome challenges would set a good example for my employees.

Edward Lee, known for his appearances on popular US cooking competition shows such as Iron Chef and Top Chef, initially believed he would not take part in competition shows again. However, he changed his mind and said it was a great honor to be part of Korea's first major cooking competition.

The legendary chef reinterpreted tuna bibimbap to express his Korean-American identity. While growing up in the United States and enjoying foods from various countries, including Italy, Lee explained that Korean flavors have always been at the forefront of his mind.

“I take inspiration from everything I see and the other chefs I cook with. I think about my story and my life and try to put the puzzle together. I keep coming back to Korean ingredients because they touch my soul,” he said.

The four lesser-known chefs who made it to the top eight include Kwon Sung-jun, known as “Napoli Matfia,” Kim Me-roung, dubbed “Aunt Omakase No. 1,” Kang Seung-won, dubbed “Triple Star”, and Yoon Nam-no, also called “Cooking Maniac”.

Chef Kim, who sells kalguksu (hand-rolled noodles in thick broth) for just 8,000 won ($6) at Seoul's Gyeongdong market, said: “Traditional markets have struggled, but I'm happy to say ours Market suffers as a result.” A revival. Thanks to the trade fair, I noticed a significant increase in young visitors. Helping to promote our local market is incredibly rewarding.