“Delighted Reactions and Applause” – Author Mo Eun-seol Shares How Edward Lee Was Cast in ‘Culinary Class Wars’

On October 15, 2024, South Korean news outlet JTBC News announced the exciting news of Chef Edward Lee’s involvement in the popular Netflix series Culinary Class Wars. During an interview at a café in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, writer Mo Eun-seol shared insights into the challenges the production team navigated while securing the participation of the esteemed chef, detailing the efforts that ultimately led to his inclusion.

A notable highlight was the writer’s steadfast commitment to bringing Chef Edward Lee, an internationally acclaimed culinary expert from Brooklyn, New York, onboard despite initial difficulties. She recounted how the youngest producer on the team reached out via email, and to their surprise, he received a response from Chef Lee just days later, indicating his desire to meet with the production crew.

Following a Zoom meeting, the team experienced a mix of suspense and anticipation, and ultimately, Edward Lee confirmed he would be part of the show. Mo Eun-seol vividly described the joyful moment when the news was announced, stating the entire team erupted into applause.

“The youngest PD emailed him, and a few days later, he expressed interest in meeting the production crew. After a Zoom discussion, there was silence, but then he agreed to participate. Everyone cheered at that moment.”

Insights into Edward Lee’s Role in Culinary Class Wars

For those unfamiliar, Edward Lee is celebrated for his inventive cooking style and has made numerous appearances on well-known culinary programs such as Top Chef and The Mind of a Chef. His charisma made him a standout contender on Culinary Class Wars, even though he did not clinch the ultimate title.

Edward Lee introduced exceptional flavors and creativity to the competition, gaining admiration from fans worldwide. The series features “Black Spoon”chefs, viewed as culinary underdogs, against “White Spoon”chefs, recognized as elite professionals within Korea.

Wrapping up on October 8, 2024, the inaugural season of Culinary Class Wars dominated Netflix’s Global Top 10 TV (Non-English) chart for three straight weeks, marking a historic milestone for a Korean variety series. The unique combination of fierce competition, innovative culinary tasks, and captivating personalities kept audiences engaged globally.

During the interview, the production team also shared anecdotes regarding the casting process. Producer Kim Hak-min noted that Chef Choi Hyun-seok initially had reservations about joining the lineup, even disappearing for a time without responding to inquiries.

Additionally, there were challenges in persuading Chef Jung Ji-sun to sign on, necessitating extensive phone conversations before he was on board. Writer Mo Eun-seol conveyed the hesitation in approaching seasoned chefs to participate within a structured competition framework without revealing the “Black Spoon”versus “White Spoon”concept.

Despite her initial unease about encouraging established chefs to compete under a hierarchical structure, she expressed relief when the show’s authentic motive of delivering an edgy, enthralling culinary experience struck a chord with the viewers.

With a second season already in the works set to premiere in the latter half of 2025, fans are thrilled about the new challenges and culinary showdowns that lie ahead.

Source