"Culinary Class Wars 2" chef Jeong Ho-young said he regretted turning down season 1 and expressed his determination for season 2.
On the morning of the 17th, a press conference for the Netflix variety show 'Culinary Class Wars: Culinary Class Wars 2' was held at the Grand Ballroom on the LL floor of JW Marriott Dongdaemun in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Present were PD Kim Hak-min, PD Kim Eun-ji, white-spoon contestants Seonjae monk·Hudeokjuk·Son Jong-won·Jeong Ho-young, and black-spoon contestants French Papa·Chinese cuisine witch·Brewmaster Yoon Ju-mo·Baby beast, among others.
'Culinary Class Wars: Culinary Class Wars 2' depicts a fiery culinary class war between underdog 'black-spoon' chefs trying to overturn class by taste alone and Korea's top star 'white-spoon' chefs trying to protect it. Following the first installment released last September, season 2 came out a year later, and season 1 sparked a gourmet syndrome in Korea, positively influencing the industry by reviving the once-stagnant fine-dining sector. In addition, judges Paik Jong-won and Anh Sung-jae's comments became catchphrases, and the chefs gained popularity rivaling entertainers and received great love.
The results were surprising. It ranked No. 1 in Netflix global TV (non-English) for three consecutive weeks and made the top 10 in 18 markets including Korea·Hong Kong·Singapore·Taiwan. Expectations are high about what records season 2 will set and whether it can surpass its predecessor.
Japanese cuisine chef Jeong Ho-young said, "Actually I was offered to appear in season 1 but I declined. Afterwards I regretted it immensely, and when they were recruiting participants for season 2 I suddenly didn't get any contact. I became very impatient," adding, "But fortunately they contacted me and I joined season 2," which drew laughter.
He continued, "I've experienced and judged survival shows, but in my winning strategy it's important not to get greedy when showing basic skills. Still, once you're in you become greedy, impatient and nervous. It's hard to demonstrate your ability," adding, "I have regrets, too. Even so, there was no survival experience as thrilling, pleasant and happy as 'Culinary Class Wars 2' in my life."
Chef Son Jong-won once declined season 2, but Jeong Ho-young said he waited for the production team's contact. Jeong Ho-young added, "I found the writers' numbers and contacted them.." which provoked laughter.
Meanwhile, 'Culinary Class Wars: Culinary Class Wars 2' premiered on Netflix on the 16th.
[Photo] Reporter Cho Eun-jung
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