Michelin 3-star chef Ahn Sung-jae, known for his work at the prestigious restaurant Mosu Seoul, has recently made an appearance on Netflix’s new cooking competition show Culinary Class Wars. He joins the show alongside prominent food expert Paik Jongwon. Ahn emphasizes that, for him, the position—whether judge or contestant—wasn’t the focus. Instead, his goal was to contribute to the development of South Korea’s dining industry.
A Chef’s Humble Perspective on His Role
Ahn Sung-jae expressed deep respect for all the participants in the show. “I saw this as a chance to showcase the evolution of Korea’s dining industry on a major platform, similar to how the Michelin Guide provides valuable information,” he said. His presence on the show has captured attention, especially since Mosu Seoul remains the only restaurant in Korea to hold three Michelin stars after the closure of ‘Gaon’ and the demotion of ‘La Yeon’ to two stars.
Mosu Seoul earned its first Michelin star in 2019, followed by two stars from 2020 to 2022. In 2023 and 2024, it finally achieved the coveted three stars. Despite these accolades, Chef Ahn has kept a low profile, focusing on his craft rather than seeking media attention.
Balancing Chef Life and Public Image
Although Ahn appeared on a cooking show briefly in 2015, he quickly distanced himself from the entertainment scene. He explained that he didn’t want to become a ‘chef-tainer’—a celebrity chef. He only agreed to participate in Culinary Class Wars after making sure the production team would respect the dignity of the chefs involved. “Many chefs put their pride and lives into their cooking. It shouldn’t be reduced to entertainment,” Ahn stated.
He also spoke about the challenges currently facing the fine dining industry in South Korea. “The fine dining scene here is small, and thinking ‘as long as I succeed, I’m fine’ is dangerous. We need to grow the market and increase demand,” Ahn emphasized.
The Transition of Mosu Seoul and Future Plans
Another reason Ahn’s appearance on the show drew so much attention was that it marked his first public move since Mosu Seoul temporarily closed. The restaurant, which opened in 2017 with the support of CJ CheilJedang, closed earlier this year after their contract expired. While there were many rumors surrounding the closure, Ahn clarified that it was his decision. “My partnership with CJ was incredibly supportive, but our visions for the future diverged. Now, I’m working with new partners who are more aligned with my culinary vision,” he explained.
Chef Ahn also revealed that Mosu Seoul‘s new location in Itaewon, originally planned to open in June, will now open this winter.
Cooking in the Age of Social Media
In Culinary Class Wars, Chef Ahn stood out as a judge for his emphasis on fundamentals. He expressed admiration for some contestants’ creativity, especially those with unconventional culinary backgrounds. One contestant, for example, learned to cook by reading comic books. “Some contestants shattered my preconceptions, and I realized how many different ways you can approach food,” Ahn said.
He also shared his concerns about chefs who rise to fame too quickly through social media without establishing a strong foundation. “I’ve seen influencers seemingly achieve success overnight, but many struggle or disappear after a few years. Real innovation requires living every moment as a chef,” Ahn pointed out.
He hopes that Culinary Class Wars will encourage chefs to challenge each other and share experiences. Ahn also called attention to the need for South Korea’s dining industry to adapt. For instance, he highlighted that only one type of sugar is readily available in Korea, while other countries have access to dozens of varieties. Importing alternatives is often too expensive due to high taxes. “If these types of challenges are addressed, Korea’s dining industry could thrive globally,” he said.
Introduction to Netflix’s Culinary Class Wars
Netflix’s new cooking competition, Culinary Class Wars, is poised to captivate food lovers around the world. The show brings together 20 renowned chefs and 80 promising newcomers in a battle of culinary creativity and technique. What sets this show apart is that many contestants come from unconventional culinary backgrounds. Some are self-taught through comic books, while others have years of experience cooking school lunches.
The show features Michelin-starred chefs as judges, including Korea’s only 3-star chef, Ahn Sung-jae, and Paik Jongwon, a respected figure in the Korean culinary industry. Their critiques push participants to innovate while maintaining a solid grasp of cooking fundamentals. Each episode showcases impressive dishes, blending traditional techniques with fresh, modern ideas.
Culinary Battles Across the Spectrum
Culinary Class Wars is more than just fancy plating or fine dining. The competition tests contestants’ skills across a wide range of cuisines and cooking methods. Challenges include mastering various ingredients, time management, and teamwork. Contestants face everything from classic French techniques to regional Korean dishes, making the competition fierce and unpredictable. Even the most experienced chefs aren’t safe from elimination.
While top chefs benefit from formal training, many lesser-known participants surprise the judges with bold flavors and unique presentations. The show pushes the boundaries of traditional cooking, with contestants constantly redefining what food can be.
Lessons Beyond the Kitchen
Culinary Class Wars goes beyond just cooking. The show emphasizes the importance of sustainability in the restaurant industry. Chef Ahn Sung-jae reminds viewers that social media often gives the illusion of overnight success, but true mastery requires dedication. Trends may come and go, but solid culinary foundations are essential for long-term success in the industry.
The show encourages both contestants and viewers to think about the future of the restaurant world. Every dish tells a story of perseverance, creativity, and passion. The chefs who truly succeed are the ones who live and breathe their craft.
About Ahn Sung-jae
Born in 1982, Ahn Sung-jae moved to the United States at age 13. He initially pursued a career as an auto mechanic but changed his path after discovering a culinary school brochure that promised “100% employment.” In 2015, he opened Mosu San Francisco, earning a Michelin star within eight months. Ahn returned to Korea in 2017 and opened Mosu Seoul, eventually becoming Korea’s youngest 3-star Michelin chef in 2023.
Why You Should Watch Netflix’s Culinary Class Wars
Whether you’re a dedicated foodie, aspiring chef, or just love competitive cooking shows, Culinary Class Wars offers something exciting for everyone. The show provides a rare glimpse into the creative process of both seasoned chefs and rising talents. High-stakes challenges, intense competition, and mouth-watering dishes guarantee a thrilling viewing experience.
Prepare to be captivated as world-class chefs and passionate newcomers go head-to-head in a battle of creativity, precision, and sheer culinary skill.
Reference: https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/023/0003859364?sid=102
One response to “Netflix’s New Cooking Show Features Michelin Chef Ahn Sung-jae”
[…] Netflix’s New Cooking Show Features Michelin Chef Ahn Sung-jae https://kpopwave.tech/netflixs-new-cooking-show-features-michelin-chef-ahn-sung-jae/ […]