Netflix Black and White Chef Stars Shine at 2026 Michelin Guide With Multiple Stars and Business Triumphs

The chefs who captured hearts on Netflix's hit culinary competition Black and White Chef are proving that their success extends far beyond the small screen. As the 2026 Michelin Guide Seoul and Busan edition was unveiled on March 5 at Signiel Busan, several alumni of the wildly popular show earned prestigious recognition that has set the Korean food industry abuzz.

Chef Ahn Sung-jae's Triumphant Return

Leading the charge is Chef Ahn Sung-jae, who served as a judge on the show. His celebrated restaurant Mosu earned two Michelin stars in this year's guide, marking a remarkable comeback. Mosu had previously held the distinction of being the only three-star Michelin restaurant in South Korea in 2023, but voluntarily gave up its stars when the restaurant closed for relocation. After reopening last year, Mosu has now re-entered the Michelin constellation with an impressive two-star rating.

Reflecting on the achievement, Chef Ahn expressed that he values the recognition of his culinary identity and restaurant's direction over the number of stars themselves, sharing his gratitude for the acknowledgment.

Chef Son Jong-won Makes Michelin History

Perhaps the most remarkable achievement belongs to Chef Son Jong-won, who appeared as a hidden White Spoon chef in Season 2. Both of his restaurants under the Josun Hotel umbrella earned one Michelin star each. Itanic Garden, a Korean fine dining establishment, and La Maison Secrete, a French restaurant at L'Escape Seoul Myeongdong, received the coveted distinction simultaneously. This makes Chef Son the only chef in South Korea currently overseeing two separately starred Michelin restaurants, a feat that industry observers say demonstrates exceptional consistency and brand competitiveness.

La Maison Secrete has now maintained its one-star status for six consecutive years since 2021, while Itanic Garden has held its star for four consecutive years, underscoring the sustained excellence of Chef Son's culinary vision.

Season 1 Winner Kwon Sung-jun Becomes a Building Owner

Meanwhile, Chef Kwon Sung-jun, who won the first season under the memorable nickname Napoli Mafia, has been making headlines for a different kind of achievement. Reports indicate that he recently purchased a small commercial building in Seoul's Sindang-dong neighborhood for approximately 3.3 billion won, fulfilling a dream he publicly shared during a television appearance last August when he declared his ambition to become a building owner.

Chef Kwon has also revealed plans to expand his restaurant operations, noting that he currently limits reservations to loyal regulars while preparing for a larger venue.

The Broader Michelin Landscape

This year's Michelin Guide recognized a total of 46 starred restaurants across South Korea, with 42 in Seoul and four in Busan. The sole three-star restaurant remains Mingles, led by Chef Kang Min-goo, which retained its top honor for the second consecutive year. The guide also saw new entrants and notable changes, including Chef Park Kyung-jae's Sosuheon being elevated from one to two stars.

Not all Black and White Chef alumni fared well, however. Chef Hoo Deok-juk's Chinese restaurant Hobin, which had previously held one star, was dropped from this year's starred list, creating a bittersweet narrative among the show's cast.

Beyond the Screen

What makes these achievements particularly noteworthy is that the chefs are successfully balancing their newfound celebrity status with genuine culinary excellence. Rather than resting on their television fame, they continue to push boundaries in the competitive fine dining scene, proving that the show served as a springboard for sustainable professional growth rather than fleeting fame.