The New Wave of Cooking Variety Shows Gaining Attention Nationally and Internationally

Recently, the Netflix series “Black and White Chef” has been gaining explosive popularity both domestically and internationally, reigniting interest in cooking variety shows. Previously known as “mukbang” and “cookbang,” these cooking content shows that once swept the broadcasting industry are now capturing the public’s attention through new variations.

Baek Jong-won, who led the success of “Black and White Chef,” is embarking on another challenge by heading to Antarctica with actress Im SooHyang, actor Chae JongHyeop, and singer Suho. They are confronting the harsh conditions of Antarctica to serve a meal to the team members of the Sejong Science Base in the variety show “Chef of Antarctica,” co-produced by MBC and LG Uplus Studio X+U, set to air next April. Baek Jong-won expressed his determination to do his best for those working hard in Antarctica, stating, “I’m nervous because I don’t know what ingredients will be available in Antarctica.”

Meanwhile, JTBC’s flagship cooking variety show “Please Take Care of My Refrigerator” has announced its return after five years. Original members, including PD Lee Chang-woo, writer Kang Yoon-jung, and chefs Choi Hyun-seok, Jung Ho-young, Lee Yeon-bok, and Kim Poong, will reunite to present a new season on the 15th. Notably, the chefs who gained attention from “Black and White Chef” are joining in large numbers, promising new excitement. The star-studded cast, including Choi Kang-rok, Yoon Nam-no, Edward Lee, and Lee Mi-young, is raising public expectations.

On the 30th, ENA’s variety show “Baek Jong-won’s Les Miserables” is set to premiere. Chefs from various fields will team up with challengers to complete missions, unfolding a drama of life-changing moments. The revival of these cooking variety shows is drawing more attention, as culture critic Jung Seok-hee noted, “It has captured the public’s enthusiasm through new formats and quality, and if it fails to provide new enjoyment, it will not capture the public’s attention.”

As cooking variety shows regain vitality and captivate the public with diverse formats and cast members, attention is focused on how long this craze will continue. There is anticipation for what innovative changes cooking variety shows will present in the future.

This article has been written by Kpopmap AI writer and while we have made efforts to ensure the accuracy of the article, there may be errors or inaccuracies.