How old is Kang Seung-won aka Triple Star? Culinary Class Wars Black Spoon Chef’s relationship history sparks controversy

The Triple Star of the popular Netflix series Culinary Class Wars, Kang Seung-won's culinary skills have brought him widespread fame, especially as a standout “Black Spoon” chef. However, recent revelations about the 33-year-old chef's personal life overshadow his rising culinary reputation.

On October 30, 2024, Dispatch, a South Korean media outlet, reported details of Kang’s past relationships, bringing to light stories from two unidentified women, known as “A” and “B.” According to Dispatch, Kang Seung-won had a brief, unregistered marriage with “A” in May 2022, which ended just three months later.

“A” reached out to Dispatch with her story, alleging that she had offered significant support to Kang early in his career, including lobbying with acquaintances to help him secure opportunities at Michelin-starred restaurants like Atelier Crenn and Benu.

She claimed that she even provided luxury Chanel bags to Kang’s industry connections to help him gain entry into prestigious kitchens. His alleged ex-wife told Dispatch,

"At the time, Kang Seung-won was a student with not much experience. I heard that for a chef, the restaurant that they work in is important. I was working at the time so I had many connections. So I looked around for a restaurant that Kang Seung Won could have some influence in."

Kang denied these accusations, arguing that his dedication and skill led to his success. He asserted that any gifts were simply personal tokens from “A” to her friends. Kang Seung-won told the publication,

"Is a Michelin restaurant a place where Chanel bags can get you a job? I know that “A” bought two Chanel bags for “X” and “Y”. But to say that I got the job because she gave them bags? She just gave those bags to her close friends."

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Chef Kang Seung-won, aka Triple Star, faces new accusations as ex-girlfriend joins ex-wife in revealing past relationships

Kang Seung-won’s former girlfriend, “B,” told Dispatch that their relationship ended abruptly, with him allegedly “ghosting” her. She later learned he had been seeing both her and “A” simultaneously. Triple Star acknowledged their brief relationship but insisted it lasted only a few months and ended because of “different views.”

In a statement to Dispatch, “B” shared her feelings about seeing Kang gain fame in Culinary Class Wars. She expressed frustration that the person she once dated was now celebrated on a public platform. She voiced her hopes that viewers would come to know about the side of Kang Seung-won she had experienced, one she described as manipulative and untrustworthy.

"I kept the pain I felt in my heart and I was trying to forget about it and live my life. But then I saw Culinary Class Wars and someone who I didn’t want to see again appeared. When people around me watch the show and talk about him in good terms, I just think about the image making of the show…

"I hope that someday, the true nature of his two faces will be revealed. How many woman have you tricked and played while pretending to be nice? I hope you take this opportunity to realize how wrong you lived your life. I really want to stop seeing your pretentious face in the media," she said.

The controversy deepened as “A” accused Kang Seung-won of sending threatening messages after she began a new relationship, including one with violent implications.

While Kang admitted to messaging her post-split, he argued the content was misinterpreted. Kang’s lawyer defended him, suggesting that emotional complexities may have fueled the allegations.

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With the situation unresolved, the chef’s reputation faces scrutiny despite his continued work at Trid in Cheongdam-dong.