Expressing hardships such as language barriers and flight schedules
Encouragement to Napolimatpia's apology: "You deserve to win"
Edward Lee (Korean name Lee Gyun, 52) revealed behind-the-scenes stories of the Netflix variety show 'Black & White Chef: Culinary Class War' (hereafter 'Black & White Chef').
Recently appearing on the podcast 'Dave Jang Show,' Edward Lee shared the reasons for participating in 'Black & White Chef' and stories from the filming process. He began by saying, "I declined to appear on 'Black & White Chef' several times." He continued, "At first, I thought it was a show for younger people, but I joined to find my true identity. It was a special experience to spend a long time with Korean chefs, and I enjoyed it." Living in the U.S., Edward Lee also talked about the difficulties of speaking Korean and the flight schedules.
Edward Lee (Korean name Lee Gyun, 52) revealed behind-the-scenes stories of filming the Netflix variety show Black and White Chefs: Culinary Class War (hereafter Black and White Chefs). Recently appearing on the podcast The Dave Chang Show, Edward Lee shared the reasons for participating in Black and White Chefs and stories about the filming process. He began by saying, "I declined the offer to appear on Black and White Chefs several times." [Photo by Edward Lee Instagram]
He explained, "My Korean proficiency is at a third-grade elementary school level," adding, "I took Korean lessons from a private tutor for three weeks." He recalled, "I sometimes traveled for 20 hours and needed to adjust to the time difference. When I was in Korea, I stayed at a hotel. Other chefs practiced at their own restaurants, but I couldn’t do that, so I bought some portable equipment to simulate the cooking."
He also said, "There can be no manipulation in filming. Koreans are very honest," and gave an example: "Phones are not allowed on set. Even when carrying a phone, we had to put stickers over the camera lenses. So, jokingly, I told a chef next to me, 'Let’s take a photo by removing this (sticker).' Then he said, 'No, hyung,' and looked at me with a strange expression," which made people laugh.
Meanwhile, in the Netflix variety show 'Black & White Chef' released on the 8th, a winner emerged amid shocking missions and thrilling battles until the very end. After fierce competition, Napoli Mafia (real name Kwon Seongjun) and Edward Lee advanced to the final and faced off with dishes named after themselves. Baek Jongwon and Ahn Seongjae unanimously agreed in one vote, and without a rematch, Napoli Mafia won, becoming the recipient of the 300 million KRW prize.
However, after the episode was released, criticism arose among netizens regarding Napoli Mafia’s words and actions. On the 8th, he posted on his Instagram, "Before expressing joy, I want to first apologize and give thanks," adding, "I had been hiding the news of my win for seven months, but toward the end, I got excited without realizing it. Even though I’m not young, I acted and thought somewhat immaturely. Many around me advised me to be humble through this broadcast." He also apologized to Edward Lee, who fought fiercely until the end.
Edward Lee (Korean name Lee Gyun, 52) revealed behind-the-scenes stories of the Netflix variety show Black and White Chefs: The Culinary Class War (hereafter Black and White Chefs). Recently appearing on the podcast The Dave Chang Show, Edward Lee shared his reasons for participating in Black and White Chefs and talked about the filming process. [Photo by Yonhap News]
Napoli Mafia bowed his head and said, "The phrase 'I will crush you thoroughly' was meant as a stimulant to encourage everyone not to give up until the last exhausted dish, but it seems it was a very arrogant and reckless remark that was different from my intention. I want to apologize once again." In response to this apology, Edward Lee commented, "You deserved to win. Never lose your confidence going forward," and added, "We were all competing to win. There is no need to apologize at all. Congratulations." Meanwhile, the winner Napoli Mafia and runner-up Edward Lee are scheduled to appear together on the tvN variety show 'You Quiz on the Block' to share behind-the-scenes stories related to 'Black & White Chef.'
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