Despite ongoing controversies surrounding Baek Jong Won, the second season of 'Culinary Class Wars' is moving forward, with the production wrapping up its first shoot.

According to Xports News on April 3, the cast and production team of 'Culinary Class Wars 2' filmed its first scenes on April 1, continuing with the show's momentum despite the ongoing scandals involving its prominent judge.

Baek Jong Won, who was a judge during season 1, returns alongside Anh Sung Jae as judges for the second season, confirming their participation in the initial filming as well.

Recently, Baek Jong Won, the CEO of the food company The Born Korea, has faced a series of controversies, including accusations of inflating prices, violating the Farmland Act, and a potential investigation into issues surrounding origin labeling. In light of these allegations, Baek Jong Won issued public apologies on two occasions and personally apologized at the company’s annual shareholders meeting.

The controversies have left a dent in Baek Jong Won’s previously pristine image, as he had long been known for his positive reputation and wide acclaim in the broadcast industry. Despite the public’s critical response to his apologies, the production team for 'Culinary Class Wars 2' has decided to keep him as a key part of the show.

The judges, including Baek Jong Won and Anh Sung Jae, are integral to the program’s identity, and their roles were essential in the first shoot, which reportedly proceeded smoothly with a calm atmosphere.

'Culinary Class Wars' is a cooking competition where self-taught chefs, known as 'black spoon' chefs, challenge South Korea’s top chefs, or ‘gold spoon’ chefs, in an intense culinary battle. Season 1, which garnered significant attention and viewership, has led to the production of season 2, which is set to be released later this year in the second half of 2025.

SEE ALSO: Baek Jong Won indicted for violating country of origin labeling law