Need more ‘Culinary Class Wars’? 8 judges and contestants on YouTube to follow for food inspiration
Culinary Class Wars doesn’t end when the credits roll. With season two nearing its finale, its judges and contestants have become YouTube creators, bringing viewers deeper into the kitchens—and personalities—that made the series so compelling. Through recipes, techniques and candid behind-the-scenes stories, these channels offer an unusually intimate view of Korean food culture, from convenience-store tiramisu experiments to the thought behind three-Michelin-starred cooking. Just as importantly, they preserve the tension, humour and character that made the Netflix competition unmissable.
Whether you’re after practical cooking insight or a way to keep the momentum going between now and the upcoming Culinary Class Wars finale, these are the essential channels to follow.
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Paik Jong-won: the godfather of Korean home cooking
‘Culinary Class Wars’ judge Paik Jong-won’s YouTube channel features a vast library of videos of accessible recipes
With over 6.1 million subscribers, Paik Jong-won’s channel operates like a television network. The judge and food mogul frequently invites Culinary Class Wars contestants—including season 1 winner Napoli Matfia—to cook together, transforming catch-ups into viral collaborative content. His recipe videos prioritise accessibility, substituting hard-to-find ingredients with supermarket alternatives that appeal to novice cooks and busy parents alike.
‘Chef Sung Anh’: three-Michelin-star philosophy and precision
‘Culinary Class Wars’ judge Ahn Sung-jae's channel offers contemplative insights into fine-dining techniques and philosophy
With 1 million subscribers, Ahn Sung-jae’s cinema-grade channel represents the sophisticated counterpoint to Paik Jong-won's populist approach. The Mosu Seoul chef explains the “why” behind techniques—from vegetable cutting for uniform texture to precise sauce temperatures. Videos featuring his family humanise the stern judge’s on-screen persona, whilst collaborations with Culinary Class Wars contestants and Hallyu actors position him as a cultural ambassador for Korean excellence.
‘Raymon Kim Meat’: the carnivore’s comprehensive guide
Celebrity chef Raymon Kim specialises in protein preparation from purchasing to grilling techniques
The celebrity chef’s channel offers vertical niche specialisation—it’s entirely dedicated to meat. Raymon Kim’s technical tutorials serve as authoritative manuals for steak enthusiasts and barbecue devotees, covering everything from Hanwoo beef grilling to lamb skewer preparation. His videos frequently feature his wife, actress Kim Ji-woo, and daughter, blending culinary expertise with family lifestyle content that positions cooking as an act of care.
‘Imjjang TV’: high-energy cooking with Im Seong-keun
‘Culinary Class Wars’ season 2 contestant Im Seong-keun brings his boisterous energy to practical cooking tutorials
On his YouTube channel, the Culinary Class Wars season 2 finalist is loud, enthusiastic and endlessly reassuring. Im Seong-keun’s content targets home cooks seeking practical family meal solutions, with his 50,000 sauces philosophy promising a shortcut for every occasion. Featured recipes include black sesame porridge, chive pickles, tofu stew and more.
‘Choi Kang-rok Ultra Taste Diary’: the master of patience
Hidden white spoon Choi Kang-rok’s channel showcases his signature simmered dishes and dry humour
The MasterChef Korea season 2 winner returned as a Hidden White Spoon in Culinary Class Wars season 2, reigniting interest in his unique approach. Choi Kang-rok’s videos feature extended shots of bubbling pots and slow reduction processes—a deliberate counterpoint to fast-paced editing trends. His dry, self-deprecating humour and technical precision in Japanese-Korean fusion cuisine have cultivated a devoted following amongst viewers who appreciate both authenticity and wit.
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‘Yeo Chefs Family’: Chinese cuisine mastery from Yeo Gyeong-rae
Master chef Yeo Gyeong-rae share authentic Chinese cooking techniques on his YouTube channel
Though from season 1, legendary Chinese cuisine chef Yeo Gyeong-rae remains essential viewing. Operating alongside fellow Culinary Class Wars season 1 contestant Chef Park Eun-young (aka the Goddess of Chinese Cuisine), the channel features a cooking format where the venerable master instructs in real-time, passing down oral traditions. Their step-by-step tutorials on dishes demystify professional Chinese cooking whilst showcasing the warmth of their mentorship dynamic.
‘Kitchen Caden’: Jung Ho-young’s restaurant empire
Season 2 White Spoon Jung Ho-young shares the operational mastery behind his Udon Kaden restaurants
The owner of popular Udon Kaden restaurants brings broadcast veteran credentials to his digital presence. Jung Ho-young’s content focuses on the painstaking, multi-step process of making his signature udon dishes. These videos highlight the care and technique behind his dishes, explaining the long waits at his Seoul and Jeju locations.
‘School Chef’: heartwarming meals from Lee Mi-ryeong
Master of School Meals Lee Mi-ryeong celebrates everyday cooking for hundreds of children daily
The beloved season 1 black spoon contestant taps into powerful nostalgia with content celebrating institutional cooking at scale. Lee Mi-ryeong’s videos showcase the physical labour and care involved in preparing nutritious meals for hundreds of children, positioning her as a comforting “national mother figure”. Her channel offers a humble counter-narrative to high-stakes competition drama, reminding viewers that simple, everyday food holds profound cultural significance
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