Netflix has addressed recent speculation surrounding the release of Culinary Class Wars Season 2, the highly anticipated follow-up to its record-breaking Korean cooking competition show. The first season, which premiered on September 17, 2024, captivated global audiences, becoming the first Korean variety program to top Netflix’s Global Top 10 TV (Non-English) list for three consecutive weeks.
Adding to its accolades, Culinary Class Wars won the prestigious Daesang (Grand Prize) in the broadcast category at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards on May 5, 2025, cementing its cultural and entertainment impact. With fans eagerly awaiting news about the next installment, Netflix has responded to reports about the show’s release timeline and production details.
On April 28, 2025, YTN News reported that Culinary Class Wars Season 2 was slated for an October 2025 premiere, with filming having begun in March. The report also confirmed that renowned chef and restaurateur Baek Jong-won and Michelin three-star chef Ahn Sung-jae would return as judges. However, Netflix quickly clarified these claims, stating, “It is not October,” but affirmed that the show is on track for a release in the second half of 2025. A Netflix representative added (via Naver), “The specific details have not been decided,” leaving fans without a precise premiere date but with confirmation of the show’s progress.
This clarification echoes Netflix’s approach to managing expectations, as seen in similar responses to release date rumors for other shows like The Glory and Earth Arcade 3. The streaming giant emphasized that an official announcement will follow once details are finalized, ensuring fans receive accurate information.
Production Continues Amid Controversy
Production for Culinary Class Wars Season 2 is reportedly moving forward smoothly, with filming underway since late March 2025. The show’s return was officially announced on October 15, 2024, following the massive success of Season 1. Producers Kim Hak-min and Kim Eun-ji, along with writer Mo Eun-sol, are back to helm the project, promising an “upgraded version” of the culinary competition.
Despite the excitement, the production has faced scrutiny due to controversies surrounding judge Baek Jong-won. Allegations of workplace power abuse and violations of food labeling regulations by his company, The Born Korea, have raised concerns. However, these issues have not disrupted filming, and Baek remains a central figure in the show, joined by Ahn Sung Jae, whose chemistry with Baek was a highlight of Season 1.
What to Expect in Culinary Class Wars Season 2
Season 2 promises to elevate the high-stakes format that earned Culinary Class Wars its Baeksang Daesang. The show will continue pitting 80 “Black Spoon” underdog cooks against 20 elite “White Spoon” celebrity chefs, judged solely on taste. Season 1’s creative challenges, like the tofu challenge, set a precedent, and producers have hinted at “jaw-dropping” new tasks.
Netflix has opened applications for Season 2, inviting cooks of all backgrounds via social media. Speculation surrounds whether Season 1 winner Napoli Matfia (Kwon Sung-jun), who won 300 million won, might return as a White Spoon. New celebrity chefs may join, adding fresh rivalries. The blindfolded taste tests and dramatic production, likened to Physical: 100, will likely remain, with the Baeksang win fueling expectations for even higher production quality.
A Global and Award-Winning Sensation
The Baeksang Daesang, a historic win for a variety show, highlights Culinary Class Wars’ unique blend of culinary excellence and storytelling. Season 1 drove massive demand for contestants’ restaurants, with Napoli Matfia’s booking app crashing post-finale. The show’s cultural impact, amplified by viral memes and judge animations, has made it a landmark in Korean unscripted programming.
As Netflix expands its Korean content, Culinary Class Wars Season 2 is poised to build on its award-winning legacy. Fans can stream Season 1 on Netflix to relive the drama and prepare for the next culinary battle.
