The highly anticipated second season of 'Culinary Class Wars' is set to return this December, with The Born Korea CEO Baek Jong Won confirmed to reprise his role as a judge.
On September 2, Netflix unveiled its upcoming entertainment lineup for the year and officially confirmed the release of 'Culinary Class Wars Season 2' this December.
Dubbed the “100-Chef Class War,” the survival show pits self-made, underdog chefs (“black spoons”) against Korea’s most renowned star chefs (“silver spoons”) in a high-stakes culinary battle.
Baek Jong Won will once again join Chef Ahn Sung Jae on the judging panel, continuing their roles from Season 1. Director Yoo Ki Hwan shared, “We deliberated carefully, considering the potential impact on those involved in the production. With around 100 chefs and 300–400 staff members participating, the show will proceed as planned. Ultimately, it will be up to the viewers to judge.”
The announcement comes amid recent controversies surrounding Baek Jong Won and his company, The Born Korea. The franchise giant has faced allegations of violating agricultural land and livestock hygiene laws, with police referring related parties for indictment without detention.
The company has also faced criticism over mislabeling product origins. “Baek Jong Won’s Baekseok Doenjang” reportedly used Chinese meju and imported soybeans, while “Hanshin Pocha’s Stir-Fried Octopus” was promoted as using domestic garlic but was later found to include Chinese garlic.
Further scrutiny arose from festivals Baek Jong Won participated in. At the '2023 Hongseong Barbecue Festival,' raw meat was allegedly left unrefrigerated and inappropriate equipment was used on-site.
Baek Jong Won has repeatedly issued public apologies. In May, he announced via YouTube, “I will suspend all broadcasting activities and devote myself solely to The Born Korea’s growth as a businessman, not as a broadcaster.”
Despite the controversies, Baek Jong Won is pressing ahead with his television return through 'Culinary Class Wars Season 2,' leaving viewers curious about how his presence will shape the new season.
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