Meet chefs who sparked buzz in ‘Culinary Class Wars’ Season 2

“Culinary Class Wars” Season 2 reignited public interest in competitive cooking shows in Korea — not simply by crowning a winner, but by spotlighting chefs whose personalities, philosophies and life stories resonated with viewers.

The season featured an unusually diverse lineup, ranging from veteran chefs with decades of experience to late bloomers who found their calling after multiple career detours, as well as a Buddhist nun devoted to temple cuisine.

While the competition was a battle of skills, many viewers found themselves drawn to the contestants’ humor, confidence, vulnerability and willingness to challenge convention. Social media buzz, viral memes and spirited online debates followed each episode, turning the chefs into cultural talking points.

Chef Lim Seong-geun / Captured from Netflix

Lim Seong-geun

Although he did not take home the top prize, chef Lim Seong-geun left perhaps the strongest impression on viewers.

Cooking for more than four decades, Lim is both a veteran chef and a content creator, and previously won “Korean Food War” Season 3.

Audiences were drawn to his sharp sense of humor, frequent bluffs, outspoken remarks and passionate attitude throughout the competition. His exaggerated boasts quickly turned into memes, including one dubbing him “Omanjwa,” meaning “the man who can make 50,000 different sauces,” which circulated widely on social media.

An active YouTuber, Lim said his channel has seen a dramatic surge in subscribers since the show aired.

Lim is set to appear later this week on “You Quiz on the Block,” the popular talk show hosted by comedian Yoo Jae-suk, where he is expected to share behind-the-scenes stories from the show as well as details about his personal life.

Ven. Seonjae speaks about "Culinary Class Wars" Season 2 during a press conference in Seoul, Dec. 17. Yonhap

Ven. Seonjae

Ven. Seonjae, a Buddhist nun and temple food expert, also became a talking point because of her unusual background.

In a recent interview, Seonjae said people around her had discouraged her from joining the show.

“People advised me not to accept the invitation because it would be shameful for a temple food master to be eliminated,” she said. “But I wasn’t interested in winning. I wanted to spark dialogue about Korean cuisine, temple food and how chefs should approach cooking.”

Chef Choi Kang-rok / Captured from Netflix

Choi Kang-rok

Many viewers were already familiar with winner Choi Kang-rok, who competed in the first season in 2024. What renewed public interest, however, was his unconventional life path.

The 47-year-old chef reportedly once dreamed of becoming a drummer and did not begin his professional cooking career until his 20s. He studied Spanish in college and worked part-time at a sushi restaurant to save money for a drum set. His life took a turn after reading the Japanese manga series “Shota no Sushi.”

Choi later moved to Japan to study at the renowned Tsuji Culinary Institute. After returning to Korea, he unsuccessfully ran a takeout Korean food restaurant. To pay off his debts, he joined a trading company, and while working there, competed in “Master Chef Korea” Season 2 in 2013 — ultimately winning the competition.

Chef Lee Ha-sung / Captured from Netflix

Lee Ha-sung

Runner-up Lee Ha-sung, known as Culinary Monster on the show, also sparked debate among viewers for his confident — sometimes polarizing — attitude.

His creativity and technical skills impressed many, and he frequently expressed pride in his dishes, saying they deserved to win. However, not all viewers responded positively. One Naver blogger wrote, “I know you’re confident, but your tone and attitude, which feel strangely condescending, don’t come across well.”

Despite the criticism, Lee’s career reflects his persistence. He worked his way up in the United States and said he plans to open his own restaurant in New York City later this year.

Chef Hou Deok-juk speaks about "Culinary Class Wars" Season 2 during a press conference in Seoul, Dec. 17, 2025. Yonhap

Hou Deok-juk

Meanwhile, Hou Deok-juk, 76-year-old executive chef of the Michelin-starred Haobin at Ambassador Seoul Pullman hotel, impressed viewers with his age-defying competitiveness, humility and leadership. Following the show’s conclusion, Hou opened his own Instagram account, drawing admiration from fans inspired by his continued passion for cooking.