‘Culinary Class Wars’ Season 2 returns with higher stakes and new twists

“We wanted to avoid change for the sake of change, while still showing something new,” said producer Kim Hak Min.

'Culinary Class Wars' has returned. Season 1, which helped fuel the global K-cuisine boom, made history as the first Korean Netflix variety show to rank No. 1 in the Global Top 10 (Non-English TV) for three consecutive weeks.

Season 2 arrives roughly a year later. Kim explained, “We refined the elements that were loved and replaced what fell short with new devices. Our goal was to create a more complete program.”

Netflix’s 'Culinary Class Wars Season 2' held its production presentation at JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul in Jongno, Seoul. The event was attended by eight “White Spoon” chefs and eight “Black Spoon” challengers, along with producers Kim Hak Min and Kim Eun Ji.

'Culinary Class Wars 2' centers on a 100-chef culinary class war. Underground masters known as the “Black Spoons” challenge Korea’s top celebrity chefs, the “White Spoons,” in a high-stakes survival format.

Renowned White Spoon chefs were present, including Michelin one-star chef Son Jong Won and Japanese cuisine star Jung Ho Young. Also competing were Venerable Sunjae, Korea’s first master of temple cuisine, and Chinese culinary veteran Hu Deok Juk, who brings 57 years of experience to the table.

Hu said, “Fifty-seven years is not that long. The path of cooking has no end,” adding, “It’s important to nurture juniors with what you know, while also maintaining the humility to learn from younger chefs.”

Jung Ho Young reflected, “In a survival show, having your own strategy is crucial. You know you shouldn’t get greedy, but once you’re in, you inevitably feel rushed. I’ve never had an experience as thrilling as 'Culinary Class Wars 2'.”

The Black Spoon lineup rising to challenge them is equally formidable. Chefs such as French Papa, Chef Witch with a Wok, Chef Brewmaster Yun, and Chef Little Tiger—masters from outside the mainstream—arrived fully prepared.

Chef Witch with a Wok said, “I joined with the mindset of having fun, like going to a playground,” adding, “I want to break the glass ceiling in the culinary hierarchy and open a new horizon as a female chef.”

Chef Brewmaster Yun, the first survivor of the Black Spoon qualifying round, shared, “I didn’t expect anything, which made the moment even more moving. Just being able to cook in the same space as chefs who’ve lived such intense lives made my heart race.”

Chef Little Tiger added, “Completion matters, but more than that, I want to present food made with sincerity and my very best effort. I’ll give it everything I have.”

Season 2 introduces new rules to vary the flavors of competition. Season 1 contestants Choi Kang Rok and Kim Do Yoon return as “Hidden White Spoons,” joining the first-round Black Spoon qualifying battle.

Kim Hak Min said, “We wanted to avoid change for change’s sake, but we invited back two chefs who received tremendous love in Season 1. By framing it as a ‘Hidden White Spoon’ comeback, we hoped to spark curiosity.”

Round two, the Black-and-White showdown, also brings a fresh twist. While Season 1 used randomly assigned refrigerator ingredients, Season 2 features a large map of South Korea on the floor, with regional specialties emerging by area.

“Strategic fun was a key consideration,” Kim explained. “As the show has gained attention overseas, we wanted to contribute to Korea in our own small way by actively highlighting lesser-known regional specialties.”

Judges Baek Jong Won and Ahn Sung Jae return once again. However, attention has focused on Baek amid ongoing controversies surrounding The Born Korea, the company he leads.

Following the controversy, Baek announced in May that he would suspend broadcast activities after completing filming for 'Culinary Class Wars 2,' stating he would focus fully on growing The Born Korea as a businessman rather than a broadcaster.

The production team decided not to edit him out. Ahead of the release, they stated, “This program involves 100 chefs and 300 to 400 staff members. We will leave the judgment to viewers.”

Kim reiterated at the event, “We are carefully listening to viewer feedback regarding Baek Jong Won. Whatever the response, we will keep our ears open, bear it in mind, and prepare our next steps accordingly.”

Participants also shared candid reflections. Venerable Sunjae said, “On set, I met 99 fellow practitioners. No matter who I faced, I wanted to respect their lives and efforts.”

French Papa added, “'Culinary Class Wars 2' was a great comfort to me. Through the competition, I realized I still truly love cooking. I want viewers to feel the power that food holds.”

Whether the show can once again energize the food service industry remains to be seen. Son Jong Won said, “The industry had been sluggish, but Season 1 brought it back to life. I hope Season 2 receives just as much attention.”

Promising a fresh surge of dopamine, Kim Hak Min said confidently, “I can guarantee next week will be even more exciting. Each episode is packed with dopamine-boosting moments. There’s fun in spotting them.”

'Culinary Class Wars 2' released Episodes 1 through 3 on December 16. New episodes air every Tuesday at 5 PM on Netflix.