Did an Editing Error Accidentally Spoil the "Culinary Class Wars" Season 2 Finale?

Spoiler Warning: This article discusses the finale of Culinary Class Wars Season 2.

Netflix’s hit culinary competition series, Culinary Class Wars has kept viewers on the edge of their seats with its high-stakes battles between seasoned chefs—the White Spoons—and ambitious up-and-coming talents, the Black Spoons. Each season thrives on cliffhangers, dramatic 1:1 cook-offs, and the reveal of a Black Spoon’s real name once they reach the finals. But eagle-eyed fans in South Korea may have spotted an editing slip that hinted at one of the finalists long before the show intended.

The drama escalated in episodes eight to 10, which decided the Top 7 chefs who would move forward in the competition. Fans were left in suspense after intense cook-offs, including a dramatic face-off between White Spoon Son Jong Won and the Black Spoon known as “Culinary Monster.” Episode 10 ended with a cliffhanger: the judges had tasted the dishes, but the final decision was left unresolved.

Shortly after the episodes dropped, eagle-eyed viewers noticed an unusual detail. During a confessional scene with the production team, Culinary Monster was briefly seen wearing a name tag revealing his real name: Lee Ha Sung. Normally, Black Spoon chefs appear under nicknames, with their real names only revealed if they become a finalist. This slip immediately led viewers to speculate that Culinary Monster had advanced to the Top 7, and perhaps even further.

While the name tag sparked speculation, the show’s episodes eventually confirmed the results. In later episodes, Culinary Monster defeated Son Jong Won and then won the “carrot hell” challenge against the remaining chefs, advancing to the semifinals and ultimately the finals. But true to the unpredictable nature of the series, it was Choi Kang Rok, the hidden White Spoon, who claimed victory, impressing the judges with a broth dish inspired by something he would cook for himself.

Following the finale, Ha Sung, the chef behind Culinary Monster, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram. “We filmed for about two months last spring, and only now, after the winter has passed, do I feel able to properly say thank you,” he wrote. Looking back on the experience, he added, “It was a rare time when I could focus simply on the food itself. As I move toward a new chapter, I realize how much I’ve learned through Culinary Class Wars 2. I hope to keep improving my work, while also growing into someone with a broader perspective.”

He concluded his message with gratitude for the production team, fellow chefs, and fans: “To everyone who has supported and followed along, I’m truly grateful.”

Culinary Class Wars Season 2 is streaming on Netflix.