“So brutal” - Internet reacts to Anh Sung-jae’s eliminations as Culinary Class Wars season 2 opens with his “strict” judgment 

On December 16, Netflix premiered Culinary Class Wars season two with three episodes. However, Judge Anh Sung-jae quickly drew attention for his firm evaluations. In episode one, during the Black Spoon elimination, he dismissed Black Spoon chef, Culinary Innovator, immediately.

The contestant presented a molecular gastronomy dish, but Anh responded that the style peaked years ago. He noted it was popular two decades back and no longer feels current, saying it's "old-fashioned" and that "the dish didn't blow" him away. Later, White Spoon chef Kim Do-yun served perilla oil noodles using Baekgang wheat. Fellow judge Paik Jong-won praised the plate.

Anh, however, disagreed after tasting it. He said a "chalky" aftertaste lingered, stating it did not feel delicious to his palate. Therefore, despite Paik’s favorable assessment of the dish, Kim was eliminated. It's because Anh did not share the same view, and the round required approval from both judges. Viewers online noted his tone in the show.

"Eliminating Chef Kim Doyun in ep 1 was crazy, he's so brutal 😭 but that's what i love abt him, he's so technical! The food might be great but if he saw a little mistake in plating or even the feeling of eating, you're out! 😭," an X user commented.

Many compared his remarks to last season. Several said his judgment appears harsher this time.

Netizens continue to comment on Anh Sung-jae’s "strict" judgment, saying it feels like watching a thriller.

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More about South Korean chef Anh Sung-jae

Anh Sung-jae, known publicly as Sung Anh, is a Michelin-recognized chef with global standing. He is linked to Mosu and appears as a judge on Netflix’s Culinary Class Wars. Born in Seoul in 1982, he later moved to California at twelve. Anh’s career path was unconventional. He moved to California with his family at age 12 and grew up helping at his parents’ Chinese restaurant.

Anh Sung-jae (Image via Instagram/@sungmosu)

Despite early exposure to food, cooking was not his original goal. After school, Anha joined the US Army and worked as a mechanic. His service included time in Iraq. Following military duty, he planned a career fixing high-end cars. A chance moment shifted his direction. Anh noticed culinary students from Le Cordon Bleu in Los Angeles. Soon after, he enrolled in cooking school and committed fully to professional cooking.

Graduation opened doors to elite kitchens. He first trained at Urasawa and worked at The French Laundry, later joining Benu. In 2015, Anh launched Mosu in San Francisco. The restaurant earned a Michelin star in its opening year. Mosu later moved to Seoul’s Itaewon area. There, his style matured. By 2023, Mosu Seoul held three Michelin stars, a national first.

His food blends seasonal Asian ingredients with structured French methods. Mosu Seoul paused operations in early 2024 due to business changes. But, Mosu Hong Kong operates at the M Plus Museum in West Kowloon.

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Culinary Class Wars season 2 is currently airing on Netflix, with the finale releasing on January 13, 2026.

Edited by Shreya Jha