Netflix confirmed the highly anticipated second season of the Korean culinary competition series, The Black and White Chef: Battle of the Culinary Hierarchy, will debut globally on June 16, simultaneously releasing the first official preview trailer. The streamer also unveiled a powerful roster of established culinary masters joining the cast, promising an intense, high-stakes gastronomic showdown.

The competitive cooking program, renowned for pitting seasoned professionals against emerging talent, has solidified its judging panel, retaining two of South Korea’s most influential food figures. Baek Jong-won, a massively successful restaurateur and celebrity chef, returns alongside Ahn Sung-jae, the only chef in Korea to hold the prestigious three-Michelin-star rating. Their combined expertise will anchor the judgment as competitors navigate complex cooking challenges.

Star-Studded Culinary Masters Join “White Spoon” Brigade

The latest casting announcement revealed several elite chefs taking part in the “White Spoon” segment, representing the pinnacle of professional cooking. This distinguished group includes culinary heavyweights known for their precision and experience. Confirmed participants bringing serious pedigree to the kitchen include:

• Lee Jun: A highly decorated chef known for his inventive cuisine and holder of two Michelin stars.
• Son Jong-won: A familiar face from popular shows like Please Take Care of My Refrigerator and the driving force behind two separate Michelin one-star establishments.
• Seonjae Temple Master: A recognized authority in traditional Korean temple food, providing a spiritual and historical dimension to the competition.
• Hou De-chu: A veteran expert specializing in Chinese cuisine, bringing over 57 years of experience to the table.

The competitive format remains shrouded in mystery, prompting high viewer anticipation. The newly released trailer offered a tantalizing glimpse into the elaborate production design, notably featuring a rotating structure—dubbed a “culinary Ferris wheel”—stacked high with diverse ingredients, suggesting unusual and demanding tasks designed to test the chefs’ adaptability and skill.

New Fantasy K-Drama Draws Top Talent

In separate streaming news, Korean media reports indicate significant progress in casting for the upcoming Netflix original K-drama, Fraction of 24. The series, an adaptation of a popular webtoon of the same title, is reportedly seeking two of the industry’s most in-demand actors.

Shin Hye-sun, best known internationally for the period fantasy Mr. Queen, is in talks to take the leading female role. Alongside her, reports suggest that Na In-woo, who recently garnered acclaim for his performance in the hit drama Marry My Husband, is being tapped for the male lead.

The fantasy romance series revolves around a compelling premise: the lives of the two main characters become intertwined when they experience a miraculous, yet disruptive, soul swap. This supernatural phenomenon is constrained to a single hour each day, forcing them to navigate their swapped identities and relationships under highly unusual circumstances. The potential pairing of Shin and Na, both recognized for their strong on-screen chemistry and comedic timing, already positions Fraction of 24 as a flagship entry in Netflix’s expanding lineup of fantasy K-dramas.

With high-profile entertainment offerings spanning competitive reality television and anticipated scripted dramas, Netflix continues to leverage global demand for premium Korean content, cementing South Korea’s role as a major international production hub. The Black and White Chef 2 is expected to drive significant global viewership, while the potential casting synergy for Fraction of 24 promises another must-watch series for fans of the K-drama genre.