The director of JTBC's upcoming cooking drama Final Table has admitted that comparisons with Netflix's hit cooking competition show Culinary Class Wars have been difficult, even though he began developing his drama before the popular reality series.

During a press conference held in Seoul on October 22, director Kim Do Hoon openly discussed the pressure surrounding Final Table and explained why he wanted to create something different from existing cooking competition shows.

With the growing popularity of cooking survival programs, the director acknowledged that viewers might naturally compare the upcoming drama to Culinary Class Wars.

However, Kim Do Hoon emphasized that Final Table aims to offer a different experience by combining the excitement of a cooking competition with the storytelling of a scripted drama.

He explained, "If we don't go beyond what those shows have already done, it would feel predictable. We needed to take a different approach."

According to the director, reality cooking shows focus heavily on what happens during the competition itself, while a drama can explore the personal stories and preparation that take place behind the scenes.

He said, "Reality shows focus on what happens on the spot, but I thought a drama could tell more stories about the preparation process."

Kim Do Hoon also shared that he deliberately experimented with the drama's format to make viewers question whether they were watching a cooking competition or a fictional series.

He explained that someone casually changing television channels might initially mistake Final Table for a new cooking reality show before noticing the actors and realizing it is a drama.

The director then addressed the repeated comparisons with Culinary Class Wars more personally.

He admitted, "It would be a lie to say I wasn't conscious of Culinary Class Wars. I actually started making mine first, but it keeps coming up in comparisons, so it's upsetting and also puts pressure on me."

Despite feeling frustrated by the comparisons, Kim Do Hoon made it clear that he respects the Netflix series and recognizes its positive influence on public interest in cooking.

He explained that Culinary Class Wars helped raise viewers' interest in food and professional chefs, creating a stronger foundation for other cooking-related productions.

The director expressed his appreciation, saying, "I'm grateful that it has raised the level of interest in food and chefs. Thanks to that foundation, I think our drama can connect with viewers more easily."

He also asked audiences to approach the two productions differently rather than judging them as direct competitors.

Kim Do Hoon said, "Please enjoy Culinary Class Wars as a reality show and our series as a drama with a different kind of storytelling."

He further emphasized that Final Table is not simply about deciding which chef wins or loses a cooking competition.

Instead, he believes the meaning behind the dishes and the stories of the people preparing them are just as important as the results.

Final Table follows Korean chefs from around the world who gather to compete in a fictional competition called The Table: K Chef 2026, where they aim to become the best Korean chef.

The drama stars Ahn Hyo Seop, Jang Ryul, Jung Eugene, and Hong Hwa Yeon.

With its mix of cooking competitions and character-driven storytelling, Final Table hopes to establish its own identity despite the comparisons with Culinary Class Wars.

JTBC's Final Table is scheduled to premiere on October 24, 2026, at 10:40 PM KST.