Sam Kim, Jung Ji Sun, and Kwon Sung-jun to forge new international connections in Korea
"Undercover Chef - Korea," which hit a peak viewership rating of 8.6%, has confirmed the production of a spin-off. In the new series, local chefs from overseas will visit Korea.
The lingering impact of tvN's 'Undercover Chef - Korea' continues in Korea. Following the journey of star chefs who went undercover as junior staff at famous overseas restaurants, a spin-off is now in production, built upon the real-life connections they forged on-site.
On the 23rd, the production team of 'Undercover Chef - Korea', which concluded its run with a peak viewership rating of 8.6%, revealed the program's origins and future plans during a post-finale interview. PD Hong Jin-joo and writer Yoon Areum focused on creating an environment so immersive that the participants often forgot they were being filmed. The core of the program was its humanistic documentary approach, capturing top-tier chefs returning to the role of juniors in unfamiliar environments to earn recognition once again.
Bonds Forged in Local Kitchens and the Growth of Chefs
South Korea's representative chefs, including Sam Kim, Jung Ji Sun, and Kwon Sung-jun, took on the premise of entering the kitchens of the countries that represent their culinary roots as newcomers. Sam Kim went undercover in Parma, Italy; Jung Ji Sun in Chengdu, China; and Kwon Sung-jun in Naples, Italy.
When casting the lineup, the production team prioritized the participants' interest in the program and their actual experiences as junior chefs over mere fame. Writer Yoon Areum added that the show reflected not just their skills, but their real-life stories from their early days in the industry.
PD Hong Jin-joo cited Sam Kim's dedication to studying Italian every day while researching recipes, and the moment the owner of the Naples restaurant offered Kwon Sung-jun a room and asked if he wanted to live in Naples, as her most memorable scenes. Jung Ji Sun received the most feedback from those around her, noting how much they enjoyed watching the show.
Writer Yoon Areum mentioned the Chengdu episode as the most unexpected moment, where Jung Ji Sun completed her narrative by finally succeeding with Tangsuyuk after consecutive failures in the staff meal mission. She also expressed regret that the various chemistry combinations created by Kim Pung in the studio could not be fully captured during the editing process. The sight of the Naples restaurant owner shedding tears when parting with Kwon Sung-jun also left a lasting impression on the crew.
Record-Breaking Success in Both Ratings and Buzz
The success metrics for 'Undercover Chef - Korea' are remarkable. The 10th episode, aired on July 23, 2026, broke the show's own record by hitting an 8.6% viewership rating. In the non-drama buzz ranking for the fourth week of July (July 20–26) released by FUNdex, the show ranked 2nd. Among the cast, Sam Kim ranked 5th in the non-drama participant buzz ranking.
The connections with the local restaurants continue even after the show's conclusion. The participating chefs and the local chefs still maintain regular contact and share photos.
A New Spin-off Born from Cross-Border Connections
The spin-off will feature the local kitchen seniors, who built deep bonds with the chefs in Parma, Chengdu, and Naples, visiting Korea in person. The core of this spin-off lies in seeing how those who shared joys and sorrows in unfamiliar foreign kitchens will forge new relationships in Korea.
"Thanks to the immense love viewers showed for 'Undercover Chef - Korea', we are able to return with this spin-off," said PD Hong Jin-joo. "Through these special connections that transcend borders, we want to deliver laughter and emotion once again." Writer Yoon Areum also expressed anticipation for meeting the audience again in a new season. The spin-off is scheduled to air later this year, with specific details and the broadcast schedule to be released at a later date.
