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SEOUL – In the high-stakes world of competitive cooking, where fame usually leads to immediate restaurant openings and commercial deals, Choi Kang-rok remains the ultimate outlier. On January 16, 2026, the newly crowned winner of Netflix’s Culinary Class Wars 2 sat down for an interview in Jongno-gu, revealing a surprisingly humble path forward.
Despite securing a 300 million KRW (approx. $225,000) grand prize, Choi announced he has no immediate plans to open a restaurant. "I feel a sense of fear that I won't be able to meet the massive expectations of the public right now," Choi admitted. "Just as one steps back when a fire is too hot, I believe it is time for me to step away."
The "Simmering Man" Strikes Again
Choi, who first rose to fame as the winner of MasterChef Korea 2 over a decade ago, entered this season as a "Hidden White Spoon." Known by nicknames like the "Serial Simmerer" for his mastery of Japanese braising techniques, he defeated the formidable "Cooking Monster" Lee Ha-seong in the grand finale.
The victory was hard-won. Choi reflected on the physical toll of the competition, noting that while he felt at his creative peak during his MasterChef days, this win felt more like a validation of his persistence as a "veteran" in the industry. "I noticed myself trying to simplify menus due to aging, but I chose to recreate my signature 'Sesame Tofu' to prove to myself that I could still handle the rigor," he said.
Addressing Rumors and Spoilers
The path to the trophy was not without controversy. Rumors of a "pre-determined winner" circulated online before the finale. Choi dismissed these claims with his trademark bluntness. "The producers told me in Season 1 to be the 'kindling,' and in Season 2 to 'burn completely.' If the win had been promised, I wouldn't have started. I wouldn't have been able to sleep with a guilty conscience."
He also revealed the extreme secrecy surrounding the production. "I was so terrified of the spoiler clauses in the contract that I didn't even tell my wife I had won," he laughed. "I had to stay hidden for six months waiting for the reveal."
Future Plans: Noodles Over Fine Dining
When asked about his plans for the prize money, Choi’s answer was characteristically modest. While peers often dream of luxury fine dining, Choi is looking toward something simpler.
"My juniors talk about 'Fine Dining,' but I ask them: 'Is your heart fine?' To me, fine dining isn't a format; it’s the heart of the maker. Whether it's a noodle shop or a high-end restaurant, the spirit is the same. I want to open a small noodle shop someday, and I'll save the prize money for that."
Though his kitchen doors remain closed for now, he assured fans that he hasn't retired. "I won't be putting down my knives," he promised, suggesting that while he may be avoiding the "heat" of the current hype, his culinary journey is far from over.
Choi Kang-rok’s Key Philosophy
On Fame: "I don't row when the tide comes in; I'd rather let the oars go if it's not the right time."
On Competition: "You don't win by studying; you win with the accumulation of your life's work."
On Identity: "A chef is lonely without a team. I justify my profession with the belief that art is created by time and meticulous effort."
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