“Son Jongwon is eliminated?”- Culinary Class Wars 2 fans outraged as Netflix’s possible editing mishap sparks elimination speculation

On December 30, episode ten of Culinary Class Wars season 2 wrapped with unresolved tension surrounding the final judgment. The closing moments ended during the evaluation between Son Jong-won and Culinary Monster, leaving the elimination unclear.

That sudden halt suggested one chef would soon leave the competition. This development comes after the earlier elimination of all remaining Black Spoon contestants in the All or Nothing challenge, when they failed to survive against the White Spoons.

However, Culinary Monster and Brewmaster managed to break through the pressure. Their Last Box Match performances stood out among seven competitors fighting for two openings. Following this, Culinary Monster entered round four by allying with Son Jong-won. The Top Seven playoff required teamwork, and the duo delivered a Waldorf salad. That collaborative effort pushed both chefs safely ahead.

Soon after, the structure shifted once again. Former partners were moved into direct survival matchups. Several pairings concluded without delay. Yet, the face-off between these two remained unfinished. That pause immediately fueled online speculation. Many viewers believe Culinary Monster will advance further. They argue that Son Jong-won is likely to be eliminated. This belief stems from a brief moment spotted earlier. In episode nine, around the twenty-seven-minute mark.

A name tag briefly displayed Culinary Monster’s real name, which is Lee Ha-sung. According to the show’s internal rules, only the final Black Spoon is allowed to reveal a real identity. Until then, aliases must remain in place. That fleeting shot suggests a possible editing oversight. By implication, fans assume only one Black Spoon remains. As a result, disappointment has grown across fan discussions.

"F*ck why are people saying son jongwon is eliminated? don’t play with me guys i love him so much," an X user commented.

Supporters expressed frustration over Son Jong-won’s alleged exit. Still, official confirmation depends entirely on the next episode’s reveal.

Others have said they would prefer Song Jong-won over Culinary Monster.

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More about Son Jong-won & Culinary Monster from Culinary Class Wars season 2

Son Jong-won has built a rare position in Korea’s fine dining space, operating two Michelin one star restaurants at the same time. L’Amant Secret delivers refined French cuisine with quiet elegance, while Eatanic Garden reshapes Korean ingredients through inventive and modern ideas. This dual distinction remains unmatched within the country.

The career shift arrived unexpectedly. During university, it became clear that talent alone could not replace genuine passion. While searching for direction, a visit to the Culinary Institute of America changed everything. Watching students train in chef whites sparked instant clarity and set a new path forward. From there, growth came through demanding kitchens.

Experience was built at Quince and Coi, before sharpening discipline at the three star institution Benu. Recognition followed steadily. In 2024, La Liste named him New Talent of the Year. Soon after, Eatanic Garden entered Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants at number twenty five as the highest new entry. Public familiarity grew through Please Take Care of My Refrigerator, where relaxed humor and natural chemistry with Kim Pung stood out. Outside the kitchen, fitness shapes daily routine.

CrossFit and F45 remain consistent practices, even leading to a punching score that surpassed actor Ahn Bo-hyun. Influence expanded beyond food through a role as Friend of Blancpain. Today, L’Amant Secret operates inside L’Escape Hotel, while Eatanic Garden continues its plant centered vision at Josun Palace.

Lee Ha-sung currently serves as sous chef at The French Laundry in Yountville, California, a three star institution led by Thomas Keller and long regarded as a global benchmark. Another Korean chef, Anh Sung-jae, also trained within the same kitchen. Recently, Lee was selected as the first Nanro Next Fellow by Nanro Academy, an initiative designed to elevate Korean cuisine worldwide.

His foundation began in Korea through hotel culinary studies, followed by an AOS degree from the CIA. During training, work in American hotel kitchens provided early exposure. Financial strain struck during the Lehman crisis, forcing a return to Korea with limited savings. Rather than pause, a food truck venture began with friends.

A used truck was sourced from Pyeongtaek, while equipment came from Hwanghak dong, allowing affordable comfort dishes to reach local customers. Momentum later carried him overseas. At Atomix, leadership helped secure two Michelin stars and major global rankings.

Time at Geraniumcoincided with three star success, while earlier training at Gramercy Tavern strengthened core fundamentals. Seasonality, technique, and concept now define the approach, shaped further by interests in travel, art, music, and sport. Based in Yountville, work continues at the French Laundry while future directions take shape.

Edited by Shreya Jha