The high-stakes showdown―pitting underground challengers aiming to topple the kitchen hierarchy on taste alone against Korea’s elite star chefs―locks a Tuesday, Dec. 16 global premiere on Netflix. On Nov. 18, Netflix unveiled a “Black Chefs” poster and a first-look teaser for "Culinary Class Wars" Season 2.
The new character poster signals an even fiercer class battle ahead, spotlighting underdog chefs across Korean, Western, Chinese, Japanese and fusion cuisines. From carefully brewing traditional liquors to braving barbecue flames for perfectly juicy cuts and simmering sauces to a delicate finish, the Black Chefs’ grit takes center stage―setting the table for a mouthwatering showdown against the White Chefs they’ve challenged.
The teaser flexes the White Chefs’ firepower: two-Michelin-star chef Lee Jun; Son Jong-won, who has earned Michelin stars in both Korean and Western cuisine; Venerable Seonjae, Korea’s first officially designated master of temple food; and Hu Deokjuk, a Chinese-cuisine legend with 57 years in the kitchen. “It’s massive―they’re literally putting their stars on the line,” one Black Chef says, while another adds, “Chef Hu Deokjuk is a god in Chinese cuisine.” The Black Chefs’ determination comes in hot: “I’ve been waiting for this,” “I’m pouring everything I prepared into this,” “Time to let the world learn my name,” and “I came here to win―beat that chef, and people will know me.”
Season 1 delivered unscripted drama as establishment White Chefs fought to defend their status against upstart Black Chefs. It became the first Korean unscripted series to rank No. 1 for three consecutive weeks on Netflix’s Global Top 10 for Non-English TV, and the first OTT variety show to top Gallup Korea’s “Koreans’ Favorite Programs” in September 2024―igniting buzz at home and worldwide.
Season 2 raises the stakes not only with bigger taste battles, but also with a celebration of “the flavors of Korea,” as chefs across disciplines reimagine ingredients sourced from every corner of the country. Following hits like "Single’s Inferno 4", "Kian’s Bizarre B&B", "The Devil’s Plan: Death Room", "Better Late than Single", "Crime Scene Zero", "Physical: Asia" and "Three Idiots in Kenya", "Culinary Class Wars" aims to help Netflix close out 2025 with another can’t-miss unscripted title.
Directors Kim Hak-min and Kim Eun-ji said, “We’re deeply grateful for the unexpected outpouring of love for Season 1. We worked hard to meet that affection and those expectations, so please cheer on every chef competing in Season 2. We can confidently say it delivers fresh thrills and heart.” They added, “We refined the elements fans loved and addressed what viewers wanted improved to craft a more complete Season 2. Look forward to new rules, missions and surprise twists when the show drops.”
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)