Baek Jong-won and Ahn Sung-jae both face risks... Will they continue together in 'Black and White 3' filming this May? [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

As Netflix's cooking competition program 'Black and White Lisa: Cooking Class War' (hereinafter 'Black and White Lisa') officially begins filming for Season 3, attention is focused on whether judges Baek Jong-won and Ahn Sung-jae from previous seasons will return.

According to a StarNews investigation on the 28th, the 'Black and White Lisa' production team (production company Studio Slam) plans to start filming for Season 3 sometime in May. This comes approximately four months after Season 2 concluded on January 13.

'Black and White Lisa' is a survival variety show where Michelin-certified star chefs known as 'White Spoons' compete against talented but lesser-known cooks referred to as 'Black Spoons'.

Season 1, released in September 2024, became a major hit by ranking first in Netflix's non-English TV shows category for three consecutive weeks — a first for Korean variety programs. Season 2, which began airing in December last year, also maintained its box office success by topping the non-English TV shows chart for two consecutive weeks.

Chefs such as Kwon Seong-jun, Park Eun-young, Yoon Nam-no, Choi Kang-rok, Kim Do-yoon, and Edward Lee have been active in various variety programs since appearing on 'Black and White Lisa'. Other chefs who were already appearing on different variety shows, including Choi Hyun-seok, Jung Ho-young, Son Jong-won, and Sam Kim, also benefited from their participation in 'Black and White Lisa'.

The production team had already confirmed plans for Season 3 and began recruiting participants on January 16. Unlike Seasons 1 and 2, which were held as individual competitions, Season 3 will feature battles between restaurants. Accordingly, chefs working together at the same establishment will participate in teams of four. There are no restrictions on the type of cuisine.

Individual applications are accepted, but teams composed of acquaintances not affiliated with the same establishment or arbitrarily formed groups are not eligible to apply. However, if the same name appears under different branch locations, they may apply as a single team.

Expectations are high that numerous chefs with both culinary skills and strong reputations will gather for Season 3. Meanwhile, attention is also focused on the judging lineup for Season 3. In particular, whether Baek Jong-won and Ahn Sung-jae, who played central roles in Seasons 1 and 2, will return remains the top concern.

Both individuals were praised for elevating the program's quality with their extensive culinary knowledge and sharp critiques as judges in Seasons 1 and 2. However, recent controversies have turned them into potential variables.

Baek Jong-won has announced a suspension of his broadcasting activities amid various allegations, including violations of the Food Sanitation Act and Farmland Act, controversies over franchise operations, and accusations of abusive behavior toward broadcast staff. Although he appeared in Season 2 without edits since filming was already completed, he has not resumed active broadcasting as he once did.

At the regular shareholders' meeting of The Bon Korea, where he serves as CEO, Baek Jong-won stated last month, "I haven't considered resuming broadcasting activities yet, but since I've been cleared of all charges, I may need to reconsider." While he expressed his intention to resume YouTube activities, he continues to maintain a cautious stance regarding television appearances. Rumors of his full-scale return once circulated in the broadcasting industry, but no concrete details have emerged so far. Whether he will join Season 3 of 'Black and White Lisa' remains to be seen.

Ahn Sung-jae also suffered image damage after apologizing for the wine substitution controversy surrounding his restaurant, 'Mosu Seoul'.

On the 23rd, 'Mosu Seoul' issued a statement via its official SNS: "Chef Ahn Sung-jae and our entire Mosu team are taking this matter very seriously." The statement continued, "We are reviewing all related services and promise to prevent recurrence. We will not stop at a perfunctory apology but will sincerely rebuild trust with our customers." Despite this apology, public reaction remains cold.

Baek Jong-won and Ahn Sung-jae have long been considered key factors behind the success of 'Black and White Lisa'. However, due to a series of controversies, they now pose a risk that could hinder viewer engagement. It remains to be seen whether the production team will continue working with the two despite the risks or opt to recruit new judges.

Meanwhile, Season 3 production will once again be led by Studio Slam's PD Kim Eun-ji and writer Mo Eun-seol, who were instrumental in the success of Seasons 1 and 2. PD Kim Eun-ji stated, "Thanks to the global viewers who have supported us through Seasons 1 and 2, we are able to produce Season 3. We will do our best to create a work that meets viewers' expectations for 'Black and White Lisa' with newly developed formats and entertainment value."

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*This content was translated by AI.