Netflix is gearing up for the Dec. 16 return of hit reality cooking competition “Culinary Class Wars” with the release of its main trailer, as anticipation builds for the sophomore season of the unscripted series.
The trailer launch comes as excitement mounts for the show’s return. The format made history last year as the first Korean reality series to top Netflix’s Global Top 10 (Non-English TV) list for three consecutive weeks. The show also earned recognition as “the most beloved series among Korean viewers” in Gallup Korea’s September 2024 survey.
The first season was widely credited with revitalizing Seoul’s dining scene, which saw increased restaurant bookings and renewed interest in the city’s culinary talent.
Season 2 introduces new rules and heightened competition, including the return of two masked contestants seeking redemption. The format retains the signature blind tastings that became the show’s calling card, with judges evaluating dishes purely on flavor to eliminate bias.
The White Spoon lineup features two-Michelin-star chef Lee Jun and Son Jong-won, who holds one Michelin star each in Korean and Western cuisine. Venerable Sunjae brings expertise as Korea’s first master of Buddhist temple cuisine, while Hou Deok-juk contributes 57 years of Chinese cuisine experience and Park Hyo-nam offers 47 years in French cuisine. The roster also includes popular chefs Jung Ho-young, Sam Kim, Raymon Kim, MasterChef Korea Season 4 judge Song Hoon, and Hansik Battle Season 3 winner Im Seong-keun.
The Black Spoons return with competitors bearing colorful monikers including “Three Star Killer,” “Seochon Prince,” “Culinary Monster,” and “Barbecue Lab Director.” Newcomers “Culinary Innovator” and “Wok Rider” promise to add fresh dynamics to the competition, with hints of unexpected alliances in store.
The announcement comes as Korean drama “Physical: Asia” continues to hold a spot in Netflix’s Global Non-English Top 10 list for its third consecutive week.
Watch the “Culinary Class Wars” Season 2 trailer here: