<<Yoo Ye-ji's Insight>>
Yoo Ye-ji from TenAsia delves into the future of the entertainment industry and its impact.The baking version of the globally popular 'Black and White Chef' is here. This time, it's all about bread. With the slogan 'Bake your dream,' the first-ever K-bakery survival show, 'Chunha Baking,' is set to premiere.

Gathering 72 baking experts from across South Korea, 'Chunha Baking' promises a competition based purely on skill, transcending class and experience. Unlike 'Black and White Chef,' which focused on class competition, this show will feature world-renowned pastry chefs and emerging talents vying to become the face of the 'K-bread' phenomenon.

The teaser reveals an impressive 1,000-pyeong baking set, filmed at the same location as 'Black and White Chef.' Equipped with over 300 state-of-the-art baking machines, the set offers a visual feast and immersive experience. The grandeur of the stage transitions seamlessly from 'Black and White Chef' to 'Chunha Baking,' resembling a battlefield rather than a simple baking contest.

The show's concept and official teaser indicate a shift in survival shows, moving away from personal storytelling to a focus on skill, ability, and results. The narrative now centers on the quality and success of the output rather than personal backstories, with expert skills and judgment becoming the new narrative. This brings the essence of true survival and competition to the forefront.

Another highlight is the authenticity of celebrity participants. Former announcer Lee Hye-sung is not just appearing as a celebrity; she has been deeply involved in baking for years, even earning a certification as a 'baking announcer.' Similarly, model Park Dul-sun is not just a celebrity contestant; he has been baking for nine years and has been running his own bakery for the past year.

Even before its premiere, 'Chunha Baking' has been pre-sold to multiple OTT platforms, marking it as a highly anticipated show. Despite the unfamiliar theme of baking, its large-scale survival format and global appeal have attracted platforms to make proactive choices. Industry insiders are already considering 'Chunha Baking' as a must-watch new variety show of the first half of the year. It remains to be seen if this fresh genre can carry on the buzz and success of 'Black and White Chef.'

Yoo Ye-ji, TenAsia Reporter ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr
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