The kitchen is still hot, even if the head chef is facing some serious heat!
“Culinary Class Wars 2” has officially kicked off its first shoot, pushing forward despite the swirling controversies surrounding its prominent judge, Baek Jong Won. According to Xports News, the cameras rolled on April 1st, confirming that the show is determined to deliver another season of intense culinary battles.
For those unfamiliar, Netflix‘s “Culinary Class Wars” pits self-taught “black spoon” chefs against the established “gold spoon” elite of South Korea’s culinary scene. The first season was a hit, and anticipation for the second was high. However, the lead-up has been anything but smooth.
Baek Jong Won, the CEO of The Born Korea and a beloved figure in the food and entertainment industry, has found himself embroiled in a series of allegations. From accusations of inflated prices and potential violations of the Farmland Act to concerns about origin labeling, the chef’s once-sterling reputation has taken a hit. He has publicly apologized twice and addressed shareholders, but the public’s response has been mixed.
Despite the backlash, the “Culinary Class Wars 2” production team has opted to keep Baek Jong Won on board. He remains a crucial part of the show, alongside fellow judge Anh Sung Jae. Their presence was reportedly essential for the first shoot, which, according to reports, proceeded smoothly and calmly.
“Culinary Class Wars 2” is slated for release in the second half of 2025. It will be interesting to see how the show navigates these challenges and whether it can recapture the magic of its first season. One thing’s for sure: the kitchen is heating up, and not just from the stoves!
