The second season of Netflix’s hit cooking competition Culinary Class Wars is officially underway, with its first shoot completed on April 1, 2025, despite a storm of controversies surrounding one of its key judges, Baek Jong Won. The popular chef and entrepreneur, who returns alongside Michelin three-star chef Anh Sung Jae, has been at the center of public scrutiny, yet the production team is moving forward with confidence. Here’s a closer look at what’s happening, why Baek remains a fixture on the show, and what fans can expect from Season 2.
A Quick Recap of the Situation
Baek Jong Won, a celebrated figure in South Korea’s culinary and entertainment worlds, has faced a series of allegations that have shaken his reputation. These include accusations of inflating prices at his franchise businesses, violating the Farmland Act, and mislabeling the origin of ingredients in his food products. Despite issuing two public apologies and addressing shareholders directly, the backlash has been significant. Even so, the Culinary Class Wars 2 team wrapped up its first filming session earlier this month, signaling that the show is pressing on with Baek as a judge. The season is slated for release in the latter half of 2025.
The Controversies: What’s Baek Jong Won Facing?
Baek Jong Won’s troubles stem from his role as CEO of Theborn Korea, a major food company overseeing more than 25 restaurant and cafe brands. Here’s a breakdown of the issues:
Inflating Prices: In June 2024, franchisees of Yeondon Ball Katsu, one of Baek’s fried pork chains, lodged a complaint with South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission. They claimed Theborn Korea exaggerated profit projections to lure new store owners and meddled in their pricing autonomy, sparking concerns about the company’s business ethics.
Farmland Act Violation: Theborn Korea came under fire for producing “Baek-seok Doenjang,” a soybean paste product, in an agricultural promotion zone using imported ingredients. South Korean law mandates that such zones process only domestic agricultural goods, and violations can carry penalties of up to five years in prison or fines of 50 million KRW (approximately $34,435 USD).
Origin Labeling Scandal: Several of Baek’s products, including Baekseok Doenjang and Hanshin Pocha’s stir-fried octopus dish, were found to contain imported ingredients despite being marketed as locally sourced. The soybean paste included Chinese meju (fermented soybean blocks) and soybeans from the U.S., Canada, and Australia, while the octopus dish used Chinese garlic. These discrepancies led to an indictment for violating the Country of Origin Labeling Act, with potential penalties of up to seven years in prison or a 100 million KRW fine (about $68,800 USD).
These scandals have hit Baek hard. Once admired for championing local farmers and ingredients, he’s now seen by some as having betrayed that trust. Theborn Korea’s stock, which went public in November 2024, has also suffered, trading below its initial offering price as a result of the negative publicity.
Baek’s Response and the Public’s Reaction
Baek Jong Won has tried to address the fallout with two public apologies. On March 13, 2025, he posted a statement on Theborn Korea’s website, expressing regret:
“I sincerely apologize for causing concern to many people due to various issues related to Theborn Korea. I feel a deep sense of responsibility and deeply reflect on the shortcomings in our production and distribution processes.”
A second apology followed on March 21, 2025, promising stricter oversight and compliance measures. He also personally apologized at Theborn Korea’s annual shareholders meeting. However, the public response has been divided. While some fans appreciate his accountability, others feel his apologies fall short, especially given his long-standing image as a trustworthy culinary figure.
Why Keep Baek Jong Won on ‘Culinary Class Wars 2’?
Despite the controversies, the production team has stood by Baek Jong Won, a decision that’s sparked debate. His importance to the show is clear: Baek was a driving force behind Season 1’s success, which topped Netflix’s Global Top 10 Non-English TV category for three weeks straight. Producer Kim Hak-min once said, “It was Baek Jong Won who chose us. He is the beginning of this program,” highlighting his foundational role.
Baek’s on-screen chemistry with Anh Sung Jae—whose refined, Michelin-starred perspective contrasts with Baek’s approachable, practical style—added depth to the judging panel. The controversies, while damaging to his business reputation, don’t directly undermine his culinary expertise or ability to evaluate talent, which may explain the team’s resolve to keep him. The first shoot on April 1 reportedly went smoothly, with both judges maintaining their usual dynamic in a calm atmosphere.
What Is ‘Culinary Class Wars’?
For the uninitiated, Culinary Class Wars pits two groups of chefs against each other in a high-stakes cooking showdown:
White Spoons: Renowned, established chefs with impressive credentials.
Black Spoons: Self-taught or lesser-known chefs hungry to prove themselves.
Season 1 featured 100 contestants—20 White Spoons and 80 Black Spoons—facing off in blind taste tests and creative challenges judged by Baek and Anh. The format’s fresh take on culinary competition, combined with its underdog vs. elite narrative, won over audiences globally.
Season 2: What’s Next?
With the first shoot in the books, Culinary Class Wars 2 is shaping up to build on its predecessor’s momentum. Here’s what we know:
Release Timeline: The season is set to drop in the second half of 2025.
Casting Buzz: Netflix launched an open call for contestants in December 2024, drawing over 1,000 applicants. The selection process has been described as fiercely competitive, with Baek and Anh promising to uphold their rigorous standards.
Expectations: While specifics are scarce, expect more black vs. white chef battles, innovative challenges, and the same high-energy vibe that defined Season 1.
The controversies surrounding Baek Jong Won might linger in the background, but the production team’s decision to push forward—and the smooth first shoot—suggests they’re banking on the show’s strengths to carry it through. Whether viewers will embrace Baek’s return or tune out remains an open question, but for now, Culinary Class Wars 2 is cooking up something big. Stay tuned for more updates as the season approaches!
