Korean Cooking Show ‘Culinary Class Wars’ Becomes a Global Hit on Netflix

Korean cooking show “Culinary Class Wars,” a new offering from Netflix, has achieved remarkable popularity both domestically and internationally. The series, which has caught the audiences’ attention with its intense culinary challenges, features a hundred chefs competing in dramatic cooking battles. The show pits renowned chefs against unsung culinary talents, becoming a sensation with just one day left until its final cooking challenge reveals the ultimate winner.

The cooking show includes well-known chefs such as Choi Hyun-seok, Jung Ji-sun, Lu Ching Lai, and Edward Lee, who have emerged as overnight sensations. This newfound fame has led to a noticeable increase in reservations at their restaurants. The acclaimed dishes from the show are now featured on restaurant menus, available as meal kits, and sold as packaged products. Additionally, audience fascination is evident through online content, where individuals document their experiences at the featured chefs’ restaurants and share memorable clips and quotes.

“Culinary Class Wars” has become the most-watched non-English series globally for two consecutive weeks following its release on September 17. The show has particularly resonated in Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, and Hong Kong. “The love and support for the 100 chefs is overwhelming,” stated director Kim Eun-ji, surprised by the show’s massive success during a press event at Hotel Naru Seoul MGallery Ambassador.

The program’s success is attributed to its unique mix of seasoned and emerging chefs. “The perfect harmony between veteran and new chefs is the key to the program’s popularity,” said Kim. The chefs are divided into two segments: “black spoon” class for hidden culinary masters and “white spoon” class for celebrity chefs, each bringing their own flair to competitive cooking challenges set up like intense sporting events.

Choi Hyun-seok, one of Korea’s esteemed chefs, revealed his reasons for joining the show. “When I was first approached, they promised me that this program would allow me to shine simply by focusing on cooking,” Choi explained. He further shared that participating in the show allowed him to unleash new creativity, which he hopes can bring attention to the Korean food industry.

Other chefs like Jung Ji-sun and Edward Lee also discussed their motivations and experiences on the show. Jung emphasized the importance of serving as a role model for her staff, while Lee expressed the honor he felt by taking part in Korea’s first major cooking competition show, ultimately embracing his Korean heritage through his innovative dishes.

The semi-final talents include less-prominent chefs like Kwon Sung-jun, Kim Me-roung, Kang Seung-won, and Yoon Nam-no. Kim Me-roung, known for her affordable noodles at Gyeongdong Market in Seoul, shared her delight at how the show has revitalized interest in traditional markets, attracting a younger crowd.