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On October 15, 2024, South Korean media outlet JTBC News reported how renowned chef Edward Lee was cast for Netflix's hit show Culinary Class Wars. Writer Mo Eun-seol, during an interview at a café in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, revealed the challenges the production team faced in bringing the celebrated chef on board, sharing the efforts that eventually made his participation a reality.
One of the highlights was the writer's determination to cast Chef Edward Lee, a world-renowned chef from Brooklyn, New York, despite the seeming impossibility of securing his participation. She recalled how the youngest producer on the team sent an email to Edward Lee, and to their surprise, the chef responded a few days later, expressing interest in meeting the production team.
After a Zoom meeting, the team was left in suspense, but eventually, Edward Lee confirmed his participation. Mo Eun-seol described the moment, saying everyone on the team erupted in applause when they heard the news. The writer stated,
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"The youngest PD sent me an email. A few days after sending the email, he said, 'I want to meet the production team,' so we had a Zoom meeting. I didn't hear from him, and a few days later, he said he would participate. Everyone was happy and applauded at that time."
More about Culinary Class Wars fame Edward Lee and its cast selection
For those unaware, Edward Lee is known for his creative culinary style and multiple appearances on popular cooking shows like Top Chef and The Mind of a Chef. He became a fan-favorite on Culinary Class Wars despite not winning the final competition.
Edward Lee brought unique flavors and innovation to the show, earning global admiration. The competition pits "Black Spoon" chefs, representing culinary underdogs, against "White Spoon" chefs, considered top-tier professionals in Korea.
The first season, which concluded on October 8, 2024, maintained the number-one spot on Netflix's Global Top 10 TV (Non-English) chart for three consecutive weeks, a historic achievement for a Korean variety show. The show's blend of intense competition, creative culinary challenges, and compelling personalities captivated audiences worldwide.
Other casting stories were also shared by the production team during the interview. Producer Kim Hak-min revealed that Chef Choi Hyun-seok, one of the other contestants, initially reconsidered his appearance several times, even disappearing at one point without answering calls.
Similarly, the team faced challenges in casting Chef Jung Ji-sun, who required lengthy phone discussions before agreeing to participate. Writer Mo Eun-seol explained that convincing chefs to join the competition without revealing its "Black Spoon" versus "White Spoon" format was a delicate process.
She expressed feeling uneasy about asking seasoned chefs to compete in a structured hierarchy. But she was relieved when the show's true intent of creating an edgy and exciting culinary experience resonated with audiences.
With season 2 already confirmed to air in the latter half of 2025, fans are eager to see what new surprises and culinary battles await.
