“Culinary Class Wars” Baek Jong-won Spotted Filming “The Genius Paik 3” in France Amid Ongoing Controversies
On April 27, photos surfaced online showing Baek Jong-won filming the upcoming season of The Genius Paik 3 in France. In the images, Baek is seen slicing meat in a kitchen, wearing a uniform that partially displays the show’s logo.
The Genius Paik 3, a popular tvN variety show, follows Baek as he launches and operates a Korean restaurant in regions where Korean cuisine is largely unfamiliar. The series first aired in 2023 and has gained a strong following. Season 3 is scheduled to be broadcast later this year.
The filming comes as Baek Jong-won and his company, The Born Korea, continue to face public controversy. Since The Born Korea’s stock market debut in November 2023, the company has been embroiled in multiple allegations, including violations of agricultural land laws, issues with high-pressure gas use indoors, labeling inaccuracies regarding product origins, and accusations of maintaining a blacklist of employees. Most recently, allegations of power abuse have also surfaced.
Former MBC producer Kim Jae-hwan claimed that Baek changed significantly after gaining fame through the program My Little Television in 2015, alleging that staff members had to apologize to cast members on Baek’s behalf when conflicts arose.
Meanwhile, MBC has delayed the airing of The Chef of South Polar, a separate show featuring Baek, citing scheduling issues related to breaking news coverage and the upcoming snap election.
