The latest episode of Culinary Class Wars Season 2 presented a shocking twist that forced chefs to battle their former teammates. Judge Paik Jong-won explained that this setup created a unique strategic challenge because the chefs had spent so much time as allies. With Episode 10 now available for streaming, the show delivers intense cooking duels and a major cliffhanger.
Round 4 One-on-One Life-or-Death Match Explained
At the start of Episode 10, the host made a major announcement. The format for the second match of the fourth round would be a one-on-one, life-or-death battle. The host revealed that each chef’s opponent would be “none other than your former teammate”. This twist surprised the contestants, who called the situation unbelievable and crazy. The twist meant that chefs who had recently been close allies, sharing strategies and ingredients, were now direct competitors fighting for a single spot in the Top 7.
The rules added another layer of difficulty. The chefs could only use the ingredients they had used in their previous battle together. This meant the two opponents had to share and divide their limited ingredient pool. The host was clear about the stakes: the winner of each duel would advance, while the loser would be sent home with no second chance to return. This sudden shift from teamwork to solo survival created high tension in the kitchen.
Judge Paik Jong-won Breaks Down the Strategic Mind Game
Judge Paik Jong-won provided key insight into this unusual challenge. He pointed out that because the chefs had been allies in the first challenge, they had spent significant time discussing their ingredients and methods. “So now, they should be able to anticipate each’s moves,” Paik stated. This meant the competition was not just about cooking skill, but also about predicting an opponent’s strategy and planning a countermove.
This strategic layer changed how chefs approached their dishes. They had to consider what their former teammate knew about their style and preferences. Would they stick to a familiar strength, or try something completely unexpected to surprise their opponent? The shared ingredient restriction forced them to be creative with a known set of items, making innovation crucial. The judges would be looking for which chef could best use this intimate knowledge to their advantage.
Key Duel Results and Dishes from the Episode
Several intense duels played out in the episode, with judges Paik Jong-won and Ahn Sung-jae deciding the fates.
- Sam Kim vs. Jung Ho-young: Both chefs worked with croaker. Sam Kim reworked a dish from the previous round, while Jung Ho-young aimed for a Japanese-style creation. The judges were split, but Paik Jong-won’s vote for Jung Ho-young secured his win and advancement.
- Kim Hee-eun vs. Venerable Sunjae: Venerable Sunjae prepared a simple yet effective soy sauce and doenjang bibimbap. Kim Hee-eun made a more complex “Herb Smoked Abalone with Gim Mascarpone.” Both judges favored Venerable Sunjae’s dish. Paik Jong-won praised it, saying, “For a dish that seems so simple, it gave so much happiness. Even though she had limited ingredients, I was amazed at what she could do”.
- Hou Deok-juk vs. Chun Sang-hyun: This duel featured lobster. Chun Sang-hyun prepared “Lobster with chili sauce and fried-up sweet and tender mango,” while Hou Deok-juk made “Lobster la chow mein.” Both judges voted for Hou Deok-juk, sending him forward.
- Kim Sung-woon vs. Choi Kang-rok: The battle between these chefs ended in a judge’s deadlock, with each receiving one vote. After a difficult decision, Ahn Sung-jae announced Choi Kang-rok as the winner.
The Major Cliffhanger: Culinary Monster vs. Son Jong-won
The most talked-about duel of the episode was left unfinished, creating a major cliffhanger for viewers. The match pitted Culinary Monster against the renowned chef Son Jong-won.
Son Jong-won presented a dish of “grilled snow crab egg custard with champagne sauce and caviar”. Culinary Monster countered with “crab meat dumplings,” which he blended with soft tofu for creaminess. After tasting, Paik Jong-won gave his vote to Son Jong-won.
The episode ended with Judge Ahn Sung-jae stating that a “tiny detail” would decide his vote. The show cut away before revealing his choice, leaving audiences to wait for the next episode to see which chef advances. This pending result has sparked widespread fan debate online about who will win.
Fan Reactions to the High-Stakes Twists
The dramatic shift from allies to opponents and the tense cliffhanger have generated significant conversation among viewers. The format of former teammates competing has been a major point of discussion. On social media, one fan noted the emotional difficulty, sharing a chef’s confession: “I was given a second chance, and I made it this farโฆ At this point, I think I’m allowed to be a little selfish”. Another chef, Venerable Sunjae, hoped the competition would stay friendly, reflecting a philosophical approach.
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The unresolved duel between Culinary Monster and Son Jong-won has particularly divided the audience. Online debates have intensified, with some viewers criticizing Culinary Monster’s confident demeanor as arrogance. Others defend him, arguing that his skill and brutal honesty make him a compelling contender. This split in fan opinion mirrors the judges’ split vote, adding to the suspense.
Culinary Class Wars Season 2, including Episode 10, is available to stream globally on Netflix. The release date for the batch containing episodes 8 through 10 was December 30, 2025. Fans can now watch the intense one-on-one matches and the cliffhanger ending.
“We shouldn’t be stressed about it. We should just have fun,” one chef confessed before facing a former teammate.
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