MBN’s K-Bakery Show ‘Cheonha Bakery’ Unveils Judges

MBN officially announced on October 28, 2025, the first lineup of judges for its highly anticipated K-Bakery survival show, “Cheonha Bakery.” The large-scale baking survival show, set to premiere in February 2026, aims to discover the world’s next top baker and propel the global “K-Bread” phenomenon to new heights.

A Star-Studded Judging Panel

To find the ultimate baking champion, MBN has assembled a diverse panel of judges, combining unparalleled professional expertise with a keen sense of popular taste. The initial reveal introduces two of South Korea’s most celebrated pastry chefs and a beloved K-pop idol, promising a dynamic and insightful pastry competition.

The Masterful Expertise of Lee Seok-won and Kim Na-rae

Leading the professional judging panel is Lee Seok-won, renowned as Korea’s youngest baking master. His impressive resume includes serving as the former head chef at the legendary Daejeon bakery Sung Sim Dang and acting as a supervisor for the upcoming 2026 WorldSkills Competition. His deep knowledge of traditional and modern techniques will provide invaluable feedback to the contestants.

Joining him is Kim Na-rae, a world-class pastry chef who was named the “2024 Pastry Chef of the Year” by the prestigious French culinary guide Gault & Millau. Currently the head pastry chef at a five-star hotel in Paris, Kim brings an international perspective and a standard of excellence recognized at the highest level of global gastronomy. Her involvement underscores the show’s ambition to become a premier K-Bakery showcase.

Oh My Girl’s Mimi Adds a Pop of Flavor

Representing the voice of the public is Mimi from the popular K-pop group Oh My Girl. Confirmed by her agency, WM Entertainment, Mimi will serve as a celebrity judge, offering reactions and evaluations from a consumer’s point of view. Known for her vibrant personality and honest feedback, she is expected to add a layer of entertainment and relatability to the intense baking survival show.

What to Expect from This Global K-Bakery Competition

“Cheonha Bakery” is positioned as a major global event, co-invested by K-Bakery Global. The competition will feature 72 contestants, including both professional and amateur bakers from various countries, all vying for the top spot. The MBN program is designed not only to test technical skill but also creativity and the ability to innovate within the rapidly growing K-Bakery market. With its grand scale and expert judging panel, the show is poised to become a landmark event for pastry enthusiasts worldwide when it airs in February 2026.

This brief was automatically generated from official updates. For in-depth coverage, visit our Trends section.