Lee Ha-sung, the chef known as Culinary Monster on the hit Netflix competition 'Culinary Class Wars', has issued a public apology for his conduct during the show's second season. The runner-up contestant expressed regret for his 'harsh' words and behaviour in a recent interview, attributing them to the intense pressure of filming.
The Pressure of Competition
In an interview posted on the official Netflix Korea YouTube channel, Culinary Monster addressed the criticism he received. He explained that his actions stemmed from a feeling of desperation and an overwhelming eagerness to succeed. 'The pressure of thinking that if I didn't achieve good results in this filming, everything I had done so far might go to waste made my actions and words come across a bit more harshly,' he confessed.
The chef, who was part of the Black Spoon team, lost the final to returning White Spoon chef Choi Kang-rok. He revealed he was plagued by self-doubt, constantly questioning: 'Should I have worked harder? Did I not put in enough effort?' This mindset, he stated, directly influenced his on-screen demeanour.
A Public Apology to All Involved
Culinary Monster offered a sincere apology to multiple parties affected by his behaviour. He specifically said sorry to his fellow competitors, the production team, and the viewers. 'For that, I sincerely apologise to everyone who felt uncomfortable,' he stated. He also expressed feeling sorry for 'causing trouble for the production team who worked hard on the program.'
His comments often stirred controversy, notably when he appeared to reference competitor Chef Hou's age, comparing him to his father. While Chef Hou acknowledged the remark in a confessional, stating 'this is a game of survival,' Culinary Monster remained fiercely competitive, telling the camera: 'I really do respect and admire Chef Hou, but there's only one match for me in the final.'
Fan Reaction and Future Plans
Despite the on-screen friction, the chef's apology has been well-received by many fans on platforms like Reddit. One supporter wrote, 'He's just a nonchalant perfectionist who loves cooking,' while another speculated he is a 'teddy bear off-cam.' This suggests viewers are willing to separate the pressures of competition from the individual.
Looking forward, Culinary Monster is currently preparing to open his own restaurant in New York City. The establishment, named Oyatte, will focus on ingredients, seasonality, technique, and integrity. 'We focus on building excellence through daily effort and dedication,' the chef said. An official opening date for Oyatte has not yet been announced.
