By Park Jin-hai
Netflix’s first Korean cooking survival show, Culinary Class Wars, features 100 chefs engaged in spectacular culinary battles, pitting renowned chefs against hidden culinary gems.
In the weeks leading up to the final episodes, made available on the streaming platform on October 8, the show has ignited a nationwide sensation in South Korea.
Chefs taking part, such as Choi Hyun-seok, Choi Kang-rok, Jung Ji-sun, Lu Ching Lai and Edward Lee, have become instant celebrities, with their restaurants experiencing a surge in reservations.
The dishes that captivated viewers are now being featured as menu items in restaurants, meal kits and packaged products.
Its popularity has transcended borders, with the Netflix show ranking as the most-watched non-English series globally for two consecutive weeks since its release on September 17. It has gained particular traction in Korea, Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong.
