Culinary Class Wars’ Season 2 stars bring TV heat to everyday tables
Filming has ended for Season 2 of Netflix’s cooking competition Culinary Class Wars, but its influence continues across South Korea’s food industry. Chefs who competed on the show are now shaping what people eat at home, in convenience stores, and in supermarkets.
The trend began during the first season, when runner-up Edward Lee became widely popular. Food products developed with him sold out quickly, and a convenience-store line of meals, desserts, and drinks sold more than one million units. Viewers wanted more than entertainment—they wanted to taste the dishes they saw on screen.
Interest has grown even stronger with Season 2. Starbucks partnered with Chef Yoo Yong-wook to release a premium barbecue sandwich. Despite its high price, the sandwich attracted long lines and early-morning crowds, leading Starbucks to expand the number of stores selling it.
Convenience stores have become central to this trend. Products such as lunchboxes, kimbap, dumplings, and porridge inspired by the show’s chefs have appeared rapidly. Seven-Eleven sold out a limited-edition soju made with Season 2 winner Choi Kang-rok, while other retailers reported strong sales from chef-branded meals.
Supermarkets and home-shopping channels have also joined the movement, offering chef-designed food sets and ready-made dishes. Industry experts say the success comes from combining familiar foods with the prestige of TV chefs, suggesting that future food trends may appear on store shelves faster than ever.
Source : https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10659125 |
