The 70 Billion Won 'Baekseoj?' Tastes Bitter After Being Paired with 'Heukbaek Yoris?'

'Gyeongseong Creature 2' Overshadowed by Popularity of 'Black and White Chef'
Production Cost 70 Billion Won... Result 'Below Expectations'
Director Jeong Dong-yoon "Not Concerned About Rankings"

'Heukbaek Chef: Culinary Class War' (hereinafter 'Heukbaek Chef') is overshadowing the buzz around 'Gyeongseong Creature Season 2.'

[Image source=Netflix 'Gyeongseong Creature Season 2' trailer capture]

According to Netflix on the 3rd, 'Heukbaek Chef' recorded a total of 4.9 million views (viewing time divided by the total running time of the work) from the 23rd to the 29th of last month, ranking first in the non-English TV series category. Additionally, it ranked first in Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and other regions, making it into the top 10 in a total of 28 countries. 'Heukbaek Chef' has been gaining hot popularity by sparking online buzz immediately after each episode's release. Not only the program but also the chefs appearing on it and the restaurants they run are attracting great interest.

'Gyeongseong Creature Season 2' Official Poster, 'Black and White Chef: Culinary Class War' Official Poster [Source=Netflix]

In this context, 'Gyeongseong Creature Season 2,' released on the 27th, recorded 3.1 million views, ranking second. It also debuted at number two in the global top 10 series (non-English) category and was included in the top 10 lists of 20 countries, including Nigeria, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Singapore. However, due to somewhat disappointing buzz and quality, there are comments that "the results are below expectations considering the 70 billion won production cost."

While domestic popularity is somewhat weak, it has attracted attention overseas, leading to some regrets about the timing of its release. Director Jeong Dong-yoon, who directed the series, said in an interview with the media on the 30th, "Because of the genre difference, I don't dislike 'Heukbaek Chef.' I also enjoyed watching it very much," adding, "I hope both do well. I am not obsessed with rankings."

Meanwhile, 'Heukbaek Chef' is a variety show depicting a culinary class war among 100 chefs, where the hidden masters known as 'Heuksujeo' chefs, praised for their exceptional taste, challenge South Korea's top star chefs called 'Baeksujeo.' Culinary researchers Baek Jong-won and Ahn Seong-jae appeared as judges. On the other hand, 'Gyeongseong Creature Season 2' is a seven-episode series depicting a fierce battle to end a feud that has lasted 79 years since Season 1, extending to Seoul, starring actors Park Seo-joon and Han So-hee.