JTBC has shared a look at the script reading for its upcoming weekend chef drama, with Ahn Hyo-seop, Hong Hwa-yeon and Jang Ryul joining writer-director Kim Do-hoon and fellow cast members. 1 2 The cooking contest is part of a scripted story: Korean chefs gather from around the world to compete for the title of best Korean chef, bringing their personal stories into the competition. 1
Meet the three leads
Ahn Hyo-seop plays a chef who travels the world and has an overseas background. 1 The script-reading coverage highlights his dialogue in multiple languages and a scene in which his character presents food to judges. 1 That introduction puts the pressure of being judged squarely in his character’s story. 1
Hong Hwa-yeon plays a restaurant floor manager, whose determination holds up through incidents and setbacks while helping run the restaurant. 2 Her role brings restaurant service into the picture, giving the drama a perspective beyond the chefs presenting their dishes. 1 2
Jang Ryul plays a luxury restaurant’s head chef, with responsibility extending across both the kitchen and dining room. 1 Together, these introductions offer three different angles on the restaurant world: culinary performance before judges, managing the floor and leading a restaurant’s kitchen and service operations. 1 2
More than the cooking contest
Jung Yoo-jin plays the competition’s executive producer, adding the person leading the event to the ensemble. 1 A separate struggle for power involves Jang Young-nam’s character, the chair of a food-service group, and her younger paternal half-sister, played by Cha Ji-yeon, who wants the chairmanship. 2 The contest’s pursuit of culinary status therefore sits alongside a family struggle over corporate leadership. 1 2
Korean premiere and US streaming plans
The drama is scheduled to premiere on JTBC on October 24, 2026, at 10:40 p.m. Korean time. 2 Worldwide distribution through Amazon Prime Video is also planned. 1 2
For US viewers, the distinction is practical: the announced date and time identify the Korean television premiere, while neither supplied report specifies a separate US streaming release time or confirms simultaneous availability on Prime Video. 1 2
Sources
About the Author
