Chef Son Jong-won has emerged as one of the most talked-about figures in Korean non-drama television, ranking prominently across multiple programs in late December.
According to the latest TV-OTT integrated non-drama buzz report released by Good Data Corporation’s FUNdex, Netflix’s Culinary Class Wars Season 2 secured the No.1 spot for the second consecutive week during the fourth week of December. The series recorded an 11.3 percent increase in overall buzz compared to the previous week, leading all categories including news coverage, video views, social media engagement, and online discussions.
Son Jong-won’s Growing Presence Across Food Shows
The program’s judges also ranked highly in individual popularity metrics. Chef Ahn Sung-jae placed fourth among non-drama cast members, while Lim Seong-geun and Choi Kang-rok followed at fifth and seventh. Son Jong-won placed ninth for his appearance on Culinary Class Wars 2.
His influence extended beyond a single series. On JTBC’s Please Take Care of My Refrigerator Since 2014, Son Jong-won ranked No.1 in individual non-drama buzz, highlighting his rising profile across food-centered entertainment.
Overall Non-Drama Rankings
During the same period, Please Take Care of My Refrigerator Since 2014 placed second overall among non-drama programs, recording a 95 percent week-over-week increase in buzz. Other high-ranking titles included Transfer Love 4, I Live Alone, Miss Trot, and Active King Singer 3.
The rankings were compiled using data collected between December 22 and December 28, 2025, analyzing TV non-drama programs, OTT originals, and their featured cast members and guests.
As culinary competition shows continue to dominate viewer conversation, Son Jong-won’s consistent visibility across major platforms has positioned him as one of the defining non-drama personalities closing out 2025.