Netflix Faces Backlash Over Chef Baek Jong-won's Controversial Return in 'Black and White Chef 2'
Netflix Faces Backlash Over Chef Baek Jong-won's Controversial Return in 'Black and White Chef 2'
Netflix Faces Backlash Over Chef Baek Jong-won's Controversial Return in 'Black and White Chef 2'
Netflix Faces Backlash Over Chef Baek Jong-won's Controversial Return in 'Black and White Chef 2'
<<Ryu Ye-ji's Yellow Card>>
Ryu Ye-ji from TenAsia delves into the most talked-about entertainment controversies.

Despite being aware of the controversies, Netflix proceeded with filming and is now shifting the responsibility onto the audience as the release of 'Black and White Chef 2' approaches this December. Netflix remains unfazed by Chef Baek Jong-won's legal troubles.

On November 2, the 'Netflix Entertainment Festival 2025' took place, showcasing upcoming Netflix shows for the latter half of 2025. The highlight of the event was undoubtedly 'Black and White Chef 2'.

The first season of 'Black and White Chef' was a massive hit, but the spotlight is now on Baek Jong-won due to his involvement in several controversies. Baek is currently facing charges for violating the Country of Origin Labeling Act, Livestock Products Sanitation Control Act, Food Sanitation Act, and Food Labeling and Advertising Act.

Some have called for Baek's removal from the global show 'Black and White Chef 2', but Netflix proceeded with filming, which has now concluded.
Netflix Faces Backlash Over Chef Baek Jong-won's Controversial Return in 'Black and White Chef 2'
Netflix Faces Backlash Over Chef Baek Jong-won's Controversial Return in 'Black and White Chef 2'
Director Yoo Ki-hwan stated, "We considered the impact on the many people involved in the project. There are 100 participating chefs and nearly 300-400 staff members. We decided to air the show as planned, leaving the judgment to the viewers."

Creating and completing a program involves the efforts of many. It's challenging to let one person's mistakes overshadow everyone's hard work.

However, 'Black and White Chef 2' had time to consider alternatives before filming began.

Baek's first controversy arose in January with the 'Baek Ham Price' incident. His company advertised a 45% discount on a set of nine hams for $28.50, originally priced at $51.90, during the Lunar New Year. However, the same product was available for less through other channels, leading to accusations of deceptive marketing.
Netflix Faces Backlash Over Chef Baek Jong-won's Controversial Return in 'Black and White Chef 2'
Netflix Faces Backlash Over Chef Baek Jong-won's Controversial Return in 'Black and White Chef 2'
Baek also faced investigations for violating the Farmland Act and Country of Origin Labeling Act, yet 'Black and White Chef 2' began filming in late March or early April, over two months after the initial controversy.

If Baek's controversies had emerged after filming, the situation might be different. However, Netflix proceeded despite being aware of his legal issues, ignoring the opportunity to make a decisive choice during the two-month period.

Viewers are not judges. What does it mean to leave the decision to them? Will public feedback suffice?

The statement "The judgment is up to the viewers" seems like a cowardly excuse to avoid responsibility. It's disappointing to see 'Black and White Chef 2' potentially using controversy as a marketing strategy.

Ryu Ye-ji, TenAsia Reporter ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr
Show original