Heugbaekyorisa: Yori Gyegeub Jeonjaeng

It's been a long time since I watched a cooking reality show. I've always been wary of shows with too much drama, contestants making dishes that are too ordinary, or judges whose insights into cooking aren't deep enough, sometimes overacting during their critiques.

But I'm really happy to say that this show doesn't give me those feelings at all. The production is refined and thoughtful, and the two judges are truly the heart and soul of the show. Their styles are different, but their understanding of food and their deep expertise are impressive. Their critiques are precise and often bring a smile. The contestants include some true culinary talents who not only have great skills but also unique perspectives on cooking.

I particularly like judge Ahn Sung-jae. Even though he's critiquing the dishes, his underlying cooking philosophy is worth savoring. Among the contestants, my favorite is Edward. Although he's a bit older, his dishes are filled with personal stories, cultural empathy, and imagination, making him shine. Then there's Triple Star, whose cooking skills are superb, combining refined techniques with concepts from global cuisines. Plus, he's just as good-looking as Song Joong-ki!

Even though I'm not involved in the culinary world, I'm glad I watched this Korean drama.