Netflix’s Culinary Class Wars 2 has viewers buzzing about one polarizing contestant—Culinary Monster, aka Lee Ha-sung. This Black Spoon chef brings elite Michelin experience and unfiltered confidence to the Korean cooking competition, dividing audiences between admiration and criticism. Here’s everything you need to know about the chef making waves in Season 2.
Culinary Monster’s Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Lee Ha-sung |
| Competition Type | Black Spoon Chef |
| Current Position | Sous Chef at The French Laundry (3 Michelin stars) |
| Previous Role | Head Chef at Atomix, NYC (2 Michelin stars) |
| Education | AOS Degree, Culinary Institute of America |
| Upcoming Venture | Oyatte Restaurant in New York |
From NYC’s Finest to Korean Reality TV
Culinary Monster’s credentials speak volumes. At Atomix in New York City, he helped secure two Michelin stars and a ranking at number 43 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. The New York Times awarded the restaurant a coveted three-star review during his tenure, cementing his reputation in fine dining circles.
His culinary journey includes prestigious stops at Copenhagen’s Geranium, where he contributed as Chef de partie, helping the restaurant achieve number 19 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants and maintain three Michelin stars for consecutive years. He’s also worked at Gramercy Tavern, building a resume that rivals many White Spoon competitors. His innovative approach to seasonality and recipe development has made him a standout in the competitive culinary world. For more reality TV competition coverage, visit TechnoSports.
The Controversy Behind the Skills
Episode 4’s White Spoon pairing round sparked heated debate. When Culinary Monster rejected partnering with White Spoon chef Kim Hee-eun in favor of renowned chef Song Jong-won, viewers split into camps. Some defended his choice as strategic—Song Jong-won is both highly skilled and a personal friend. Others criticized his approach as disrespectful, particularly toward female chefs.
Social media erupted with mixed reactions. Critics labeled him “insufferable” and questioned his attitude toward accomplished White Spoon chefs despite their superior recognition. Supporters praised his brutal honesty and leadership qualities, calling him a refreshing personality who doesn’t hold back. The divide highlights how confidence in competitive cooking can be interpreted as either inspiring determination or off-putting arrogance.
Beyond the Kitchen Drama
According to his professional profile, Culinary Monster’s interests extend beyond cooking to art, design, music, and sports. This multidisciplinary approach influences his creative plating and innovative techniques. He’s currently preparing to open Oyatte in New York, a venture that could establish him as a restaurant owner rather than just a hired chef. Discover more about culinary competitions at TechnoSports.
As Culinary Class Wars 2 releases new episodes every Tuesday on Netflix, Culinary Monster remains one of the most talked-about contestants. Whether he wins viewers’ hearts or the competition itself, his elite background ensures he’ll be a formidable opponent.
