‘Black Cooking Master 2’ PD on Baek Jong-won Controversy: “We’re Openly Reviewing Feedback”

Behind-the-scenes details from the Netflix reality show ‘Black Cooking Master: Culinary Class War 2’ (hereafter ‘Black Cooking Master 2’) have been revealed.

At the press conference for ‘Black Cooking Master 2’ held on the 17th at the JW Marriott Dongdaemun in Seoul, PD Kim Hak-min, PD Kim Eun-ji, along with four ‘White Spoon’ chefs (Monk Seon-jae, Jung Ho-young, Son Jong-won, Hu Deok-joo) and four ‘Black Spoon’ chefs (Baby Beast, Chinese Witch, French Papa, Yoon Ju-mo who makes liquor) were present.

‘Black Cooking Master 2’ is a program that depicts an intense culinary battle between ‘Black Spoon’ chefs aiming to overturn the class hierarchy through taste, and the top star chefs, the ‘White Spoons’.

PD Kim Hak-min explained the rationale behind introducing the ‘Hidden White Spoon’ as a new element for Season 2, mentioning that they thought of chefs Choi Kang-rok and Kim Do-yoon, whom viewers were curious about and wanted to see more of. PD Kim Eun-ji added, “When the results for the two chefs came out, it was such an emotional moment that the 담당 writers shed tears,” and expressed gratitude, “Thank you to the two who prepared while keeping it a secret from the other 98 chefs.”

Regarding the most difficult chef to cast, they pointed to Chef Son Jong-won, sharing the episode, “We were completely rejected, but after a few weeks, we proposed one more time and were able to work together.”

Addressing recent controversies surrounding Baek Jong-won, PD Kim Hak-min stated, “We are taking the viewers’ feedback seriously and thoughtfully.” Regarding Baek Jong-won’s potential appearance in Season 3, he cautiously commented, “Nothing has been decided yet. We will observe the situation after Season 2 is released and consider all opinions with an open mind.”

Meanwhile, ‘Black Cooking Master 2’ released episodes 1-3 on the 16th, with episodes 4-7 scheduled for release on the 23rd.

Netizens reacted to the news, with comments like, “I was concerned about the Baek Jong-won controversy, but I hope the production team handles it well,” and “I’m really looking forward to the hidden chef participants, it seems more fun than Season 1!” showing high anticipation for ‘Black Cooking Master 2’.