Original subtitles

Let me out!

Open the door!

Open up.

Please!

Please let me out of here!

Dad!

Push!

Find him!

Son. You need to get up.

Son?

Wake up.

It's not time yet.

Not yet.

Get up. Wake up, son.

Wake up!

Thank you.

Who are you anyway?

Who are you?

I'm a magician that cooks.

A magician doesn't follow rules.

They only follow the laws of nature.

I move according to those laws.

Sometimes I break them…

to create

my own masterpiece.

I stand on a battlefield.

Filled with smoke and flames,

it's a battlefield minus the bullets.

Here, I'm an actor who stands before an audience.

I'm also a writer

and a producer in charge of every detail.

Cooking isn't just about

the happiness of those who eat.

It smells so good too.

Hey, you're here.

The meat melts in your mouth.

Cooking is about the happiness I get from doing it for others.

I am

a chef.

FAMIGLIA CHEF CHOI SEUNG-HYO

1ST-GEN ITALIAN STAR CHEF CHOI, A DECLARATION OF LIES?

1ST-GEN STAR CHEF, A MAN OF PRINCIPLE…

Auntie.

Seung-hyo.

You did well today.

Good job, guys. Go on home.

You can go ahead, Dad.

We'll stay to clean up.

There's not much to clean up.

LETTER OF RESIGNATION

I'm sorry, sir.

I know I shouldn't leave at such a time.

I thought long and hard.

Chef…

Thank you for looking out for me.

I'll forever be in your debt.

I wish you all

the best of health.

Do you have a place to go?

Did you find a new place?

I'm going to PL Hotel's La Fleur.

-What? -Yes.

PL Hotel.

Pyeongyeon Group's PL Hotel.

I'm aware

that Pyeongyeon Group is evil,

and that Plate In Asia is riddled with corruption.

But…

I must do this to survive.

Because

we can't beat them.

I apologize.

I thank you all for everything.

Good for him.

I'm envious.

I wish I could go with him.

I just had to end up interviewing here at Famiglia.

Poor me. What rotten luck.

"If you give me a job,

I'll put my heart and soul into every purée I make."

That's what you told my dad in the job interview.

I blurted that out because I'd failed so many interviews.

Wait…

FAMIGLIA RESERVATION PORTAL

JOIN THE FAMILY

2 JOB OPENINGS

0 APPLICANTS

SOUS-CHEF WANTED

Plate In Asia was created

following the need for an official evaluation system

that suited Asian cuisine.

Famiglia's chef Choi Seung-hyo voiced his strong disdain for it,

causing some turmoil.

Chef Choi claimed some chefs lobbied Pyeongyeon Group

in order to receive a Plate,

and that the system pushes out chefs that don't cater to Pyeongyeon's liking.

Chef Choi believes Plate In Asia is muddying the waters

of the restaurant industry.

What does Pyeongyeon Group think of these allegations?

It's not something we can just ignore.

A lawsuit seems unavoidable.

ANONYMOUS FORUM

THAT HAPPENED TO MY ACQUAINTANCE

My acquaintance almost died after eating at Famiglia last week.

Seriously?

That's unbelievable. What kind of restaurant is that?

If they don't even check such basics, no wonder they never got a Plate.

He can refuse a Plate if he wants to.

Why is he threatening other chefs to join him?

Who could say no if an industry leader like him speaks up?

Did you read last year's article?

"I run my kitchen with understanding and consideration."

To think the smile in that photo was all for show…

Someone who recently quit Famiglia exposed Choi

for cursing at and beating staff.

Isn't that chilling?

How can someone be so two-faced?

There's even talk that Choi Seung-hyo

was a bully in his kitchen and threatened other chefs too.

I was told Chef Choi was against Pyeongyeon's Plate In Asia system.

I would even say his interest

in the Plate In Asia bordered on an obsession.

He poked and prodded Pyeongyeon Group and still couldn't get his way,

so he decided to criticize something they came up with.

He urged the younger chefs close to him

to return the Plates they received,

and he yelled at and used violence on those who refused.

You don't think you can get a Plate, so you'll refuse it?

Good for you.

A great comment made at the perfect time.

But we people aren't as foolish as you think.

Famiglia, you disgust me.

I'm humiliated to work in the same industry as you.

Did we go from school bullies to kitchen bullies?

He spreads lies and steals ingredients.

He threatens younger chefs,

not to mention committing verbal and sexual harassment.

Trash like Choi Seung-hyo doesn't even deserve to go to a landfill.

You should be ashamed! What would your daughter think?

Exactly which day last week did you visit our restaurant?

We didn't even buy apples last week.

What apple sauce?

The ladies' restroom was backed up?

If that's true, why didn't you alert the staff?

And Pyeongyeon Group's Plate?

It's not that we didn't get one.

We got one, but refused to accept it. Get your facts straight.

There was no cursing or hitting.

None at all!

Who's this? Do they work at Famiglia?

-I guess? -So darn rude.

They must work there.

-Get lost. -What is your problem?

Losers never run out of excuses.

Yes. I work at Famiglia.

Don't you people work for Pyeongyeon Group?

Shouldn't valid criticism be based on what you saw and experienced?

Do you have any idea how hurtful your irresponsible words can be to us?

Dad.

Are you asleep, Dad?

Would you join me for a…

Hello?

Famiglia's owner and chef Choi Seung-hyo

took his own life early this morning.

He ran Famiglia for 39 years after it opened in 1987,

making him one of Korea's leading chefs.

He was a long-time critic of Pyeongyeon Group,

claiming they used Plate In Asia to threaten the restaurant industry.

He even provided various statements and materials proving his point.

Many praised his courage,

and the media was favorable toward him.

However, the tables turned overnight.

Someone suggested everything Choi did was staged

because he knew his restaurant Famiglia would fail to receive a Plate this year.

I was afraid.

I had no choice but to do as I was told.

Going against him would mean sabotaging my own career.

What can powerless people like us do?

To us, Chef Choi's word was the law, and we had to follow.

Things only got worse from there.

People came forward to claim Choi had verbally or sexually harassed them.

Pyeongyeon Group stated they would take all possible legal action.

It looked like Choi was well and truly cornered.

Then early this morning, he took his own life

at his residence after posting an ominous message on social media.

People suspect Pyeongyeon Group put pressure on him, causing his death,

and there is a public outcry.

Future statements and the media's stance

are expected to influence the police investigation.

This is Jung Ui-gyeong reporting for YTS.

"Silence is golden."

Are you all refusing to speak

because your teacher told you to keep quiet in class?

Why won't anyone say anything?

A situation arose, we have little time,

a solution is far-fetched, and all we have is money and manpower.

What is it that we need right now?

An overwhelmingly powerful company sent a poor chef to his death.

The police are investigating, and people criticize us online.

They're already disgruntled that we control too much of everything,

and it's a matter of time before they boycott us!

Do you want to see Pyeongyeon Group crash and burn?

Is that it?

Pyeongyeon F&B.

-Pyeongyeon Construction. -Yes.

-Pyeongyeon Global. -Yes.

-Pyeongyeon Chemical. -Yes.

Pyeongyeon Media.

-Yes. -Yes.

You have three minutes.

I expect each affiliate to come up with a solution to this crisis.

You have 3 minutes, not 30.

No amount of extra time will boost your creativity.

Two minutes to go.

It's one or the other.

Either come up with an answer that satisfies me,

or come up with an incredibly creative solution.

Whether those at this table deserve to keep their seats at Pyeongyeon

depends on what you say in two minutes.

Pyeongyeon Construction.

Our solution is

to monitor the police and prosecution as they investigate

before we take any definitive action.

It's hard to say what will happen

-and just how bad-- -Pyeongyeon Global.

We believe our priority should be to appease those at Famiglia.

From what I heard, the late Chef Choi's daughter

works there as a manager.

Wouldn't it help to meet with her and offer our condolences?

If we were to acquire the restaurant at a reasonable price,

I believe we can reach an amicable agreement.

Pyeongyeon F&B agrees with that.

We could show our respect for Choi by upholding the business and persuade--

"Appeasing, persuading."

I have no time for such vague expressions.

Give me a plan of simple, concrete nouns and verbs.

What I want is a solution!

Chairwoman?

May I offer a suggestion?

Speak, Ms. Seon.

How about…

we use this as an opportunity

to abolish Plate In Asia?

Have you lost your mind?

Go on.

Koreans are thrown into

a fiercely competitive world of evaluation at an early age.

At school, at after-school academies,

and even at home, they're compared to others.

The evaluation follows the same system.

It's all about grades.

For us, the Plate serves that function.

We're sick of living a life of constant numerical evaluation.

Even if the evaluation system is fair,

if it takes too long, people get exhausted.

So I had this idea.

If we can't eliminate competition from our lives completely,

we should give that competition a reasonable cause.

A grand cause that will bring out

the essence of that competition.

What if that cause were to be followed by an exciting celebration?

Put that more simply.

We'll select the best Korean chef.

Not the best chef in Korea,

but the best Korean chef in the entire world.

We won't grade restaurants by giving out Plates.

The greatest food critics from all over and members of the public

will select the chef they think created the best dish.

We'll discard the grading system to find the best chef.

That's the kind of competition I'd like us to host.

The best Korean chef.

The best dish.

We'll drop the mask that is Plate In Asia to pursue the essence of cooking,

and showcase the present and future of K-food.

We will show everyone

that this is the path Pyeongyeon Group is taking.

-What would you call it? -Pardon?

What will the show be called?

The Table: K-Chef 2026.

Korea's best chef?

Yes.

It's titled The Table: K-Chef 2026.

What?

You don't like it?

It was pretty well-received internally.

No.

It's not that.

What kind of people will show up and what will they be like?

I just can't imagine.

It's as the name suggests.

We'll gather all the best Korean chefs.

I can't wait to see what kind of dishes they'll create.

You said it's airing in two months. Can you even meet that schedule?

I was already preparing a show with a similar format.

I just have to make a few adjustments.

Thank goodness.

The toughest part of organizing an event like this

is recruiting the judges, especially a distinguished head judge.

Guess who we got.

Who?

Henri Bernier.

Gosh…

Henri Bernier?

You scored big, didn't you?

Why won't you join the competition?

Bae Yeong-su.

Yes, Chef.

Did you check with a food thermometer?

Yes.

Yes, Chef.

Bring one.

What does it say?

What does it say?

It's 67°C, Chef.

I told you repeatedly it should be 50°C, and it's 67°C?

It's so overcooked, it's as good as burned.

Shouldn't a sous-chef be able to tell from the color?

I apologize, Chef. I'm sorry.

I forgot and told him to arroser the fish.

I apologize, Chef.

Go cook another piece, and be sure to check the temperature.

Okay.

No, Chef Oh.

Michael Jang.

Yes, Chef.

Finish this for me.

You do it.

Pardon?

You cook the fish.

Make sure it's 50°C.

Yes, Chef.

-Go and finish up. -Okay.

Sorry.

What were you saying?

Oh.

You really won't compete

in The Table: K-Chef 2026?

Right.

What? You'll compete?

No. I won't.

Why not?

I'm already the best in Korea.

Why would I need to enter a competition?

A MONTH LATER

-Hello. -Hi.

1,000 WON EACH

Ma'am. Can I taste one?

Korean chickens are bigger than I thought.

Ma'am, when did these come in?

Can I have these three too?

FOR THE DECEASED

I never imagined that photo I took

would become your dad's funeral portrait.

Do you remember?

That day.

Your dad and I drank some makgeolli I had brewed

before falling asleep.

You must've smelled the leftover and wondered what it was,

because you ended up drinking a few sips and got drunk.

You threw up in the yard

and screamed that you were burning up,

that you were going to die.

The ruckus woke us right up,

and we thought you'd been bitten by a snake.

We stripped you bare and searched all over to find the bite marks

when you suddenly said,

"The sky is spinning, mister."

"Mister, the sky keeps spinning."

I remember.

It's been almost 30 years, and I still remember it.

Following the clouds across the sky

Following the flowing river

I just want to wander

Without a destination

With the wind as my companion…

You remember the song.

It was Dad's favorite.

I've never seen such a fancy memorial table.

Your dad

would be proud.

You old fool.

Why did you leave so soon?

You never got to taste your own son's food.

You left too soon.

Han.

Yes, mister?

Two years ago

when you came back here,

you had questions written all over your face.

Did you find the answers to your questions?

You said you wanted to find yourself.

Were you able to

quench that yearning?

Old memories appear before my eyes

Oh, how I miss those days

Han.

I miss your dad even more today.

Can you please reconsider my application?

We've had zero sales this past month.

So what if we have a restaurant when there's no income?

I'm sorry, but you don't qualify for the program.

You've been registered as a co-owner with your late father for four years,

so you don't meet the qualifications.

You might have better luck applying for a small-business loan.

SMALL-BUSINESS LOAN COUNTER

I'm sorry, but you came too late.

Applications for this quarter closed last week.

Yes, hello.

I'm sorry to bother you again.

I've transferred you two million won, part of what we owe you.

Could you give me another month to get you the rest?

Please.

I want to repay you as soon as possible, but we're not doing too well.

Yes, thank you. I'll get you the money as soon as I can.

Thank you. Bye.

Oh, hello.

When did you get here?

Ms. Choi.

I managed to persuade Chef Cho Deok-rae.

He's finally agreed to testify that Pyeongyeon threatened him.

Did he really?

Yes.

We need just one more witness, and we'll have a fighting chance.

A former employee would be the best bet.

That's great news.

I'm so relieved.

I owe you, sir.

Thank you so much.

It won't be easy to find someone to testify on our behalf.

But still,

I'll see what I can do.

A former Famiglia employee…

Well… Ms. Choi.

Actually,

I got a call this morning saying they'd like to meet.

Who called?

Do you mean…

Pyeongyeon?

She has no intention of dropping the lawsuit,

and won't accept any of our offers?

What is it that she wants then?

She can't be against everything. There must be something she wants.

Ms. Baek Hyeon-ju?

Well, it seems…

she doesn't really want anything.

She just went on about her father's honor and…

Accepting our offer would honor Chef Choi's name and memory.

It'd help the restaurant's reputation too, right?

It would, but…

I think the brat wants something more than that.

She said she'd sue Pyeongyeon Group to reveal the truth.

She kept sprouting unrealistic nonsense, and it's driving me crazy, Hae-seon.

It looks like things are about to get messy for us.

Apparently, some chefs came forward to say we threatened them to lie.

She said something about getting witness statements.

She insists on going to court when it could take one year or ten?

Against Pyeongyeon Group?

Yes!

She's crazy, I tell you!

She's a nutcase. A total psycho.

That's right.

I'm a psycho nutcase.

Just so you know,

there's no cure for a psycho.

You little…

She doesn't want money,

and she doesn't want our help to restore Famiglia's honor either.

Win or lose, she'll take this fight all the way.

She wants to tell the whole world that her father died…

because of our manipulation and threats?

The more complicated something is, the more problems it brings.

Editing recordings, blackmailing those involved,

inducing false statements,

bribery, and hiring people to post comments online.

Did you think such old tactics would work in this day and age?

Baek Chun-ja.

The competition kicks off in a month.

The project is our best shot at easing the Famiglia crisis.

We're giving up on Plate In Asia to find the best Korean chef.

That's how prestigious this competition is.

We can't host that while Famiglia is suing us, can we?

If people were to think we drove a respected chef to his death,

would they care to watch our competition?

Come on, Chun-ja.

I'd love to chop up the neck of that darn viper!

She made me the CEO of a cable TV station the size of a corner store,

and keeps calling me by my old name.

"Hey, Baek Chun-ja."

Darn it.

I'm not Baek Chun-ja!

You think I did all that for my sake?

I did it for the company.

For Pyeongyeon Group, the darn company.

For Pyeongyeon!

What's wrong?

Are you hurt?

I'm fine.

I can handle this much. It's no problem.

Yeah, you're fine. It's nothing.

Leave it!

"This much"?

"This much"?

"This much"?

Hey. Are you looking down on me too?

-Sorry? -Do you?

-Do you? -No.

Just because

I'm an illegitimate child who was taken in by the family,

are you looking down on me too?

-Ma'am. -Do you?

No. That's not it.

I'm sorry.

I apologize.

It wasn't like that, I swear.

Open the email.

What the…

Why is she sending me an email in the middle of the night?

Still, it's about the head judge, so I should check it out.

Let's see.

GOURMET COLUMNIST, AUTHOR, INTERNATIONAL CULINARY COMPETITION JUDGE

I know all this already.

Next page.

Next.

Next.

FAMILY

SEO-YUN HAN BERNIER, TEXTILE DESIGNER MOVED TO PARIS IN 1963 TO STUDY

His mother is Korean?

That's why he speaks some Korean.

Next.

3 MISTELLA STARS FOR 13 CONSECUTIVE YEARS

Beautiful.

Fantastic.

That's incredible.

No wonder Ms. Seon insisted we get him.

What time does he land tomorrow?

I'm talking about Henri Bernier!

He arrives at…

At?

At 4:15 p.m.

Have the car ready on time.

You'll go to the airport yourself?

Why not? Can't I?

Isn't Ms. Seon going to the airport to…

Hyeong-koo.

-Hyeong-koo. -Yes?

We're bringing in a distinguished chef

to take part in an important competition as the head judge.

I can't send a mere team leader to welcome him.

Is there anything in that skull of yours?

You're right, ma'am.

Smile.

Rather than the circular layout,

I think this would look much simpler and cleaner.

Look at this plan here.

It would be a fun idea to film them running through the hallway to the pantry.

Could we widen the hallway just a bit?

I think we can do that.

Chairwoman.

The concept doesn't look too bad.

When the chefs scatter to cook in their kitchens,

will the monitors placed above show what's happening in each kitchen?

Yes, that's right.

Is this where the judges will sit?

That's where the main judges will sit.

And Henri Bernier will sit in the center?

Yes.

He's arriving today, right?

Yes.

Ms. Baek will be heading to the airport in two hours,

and I'll be accompanying her.

She always wants to be where she'll be noticed.

Is Cha Woo-jin still refusing to compete?

If Exception doesn't compete in a show to find the best Korean chef,

it wouldn't look right.

I agree.

Standard tactics won't work on people like him.

Forget about telling him the goals, meanings, or causes.

Find a way to appeal to his emotions.

Yes, ma'am.

Thank you.

I need your help, Chef.

I just need you to testify to the truth.

Don't do this. You're making it hard for both of us.

Haven't you done enough?

I'm not asking for anything else.

Can't you do this for my late dad's sake?

Please?

You worked with my dad for eight years.

You know how much he cared about you.

Just testify that there was no verbal or sexual harassment.

You know better than anyone that my dad wasn't like that.

Do you think they'll stop once we're gone?

You know they won't.

If you don't do as they say,

Pyeongyeon Group will do to you what they did to my dad.

I'm sorry, Song-yi.

Wait. Please, Chef.

Will you give up, Song-yi?

Don't try too hard.

Some things in life

follow a certain path.

Are you all right?

Thank you.

Why didn't you pick up?

Sorry. I put my phone on silent.

What is it, Auntie?

Is something wrong?

Mr. Park, the supplier, called.

He can't supply us any more ingredients on credit.

He's cutting off our supply starting tonight.

What?

Then how are we supposed to open tonight?

That's not good.

I'll go and talk to the section head.

He quit. He packed up and left two hours ago.

What? Why?

I don't know. I begged him to stay,

but he said he'd had enough.

He wasn't getting paid, and we have no ingredients.

How could he stay?

What should we do, Auntie?

Today's dinner…

We have no choice but to close for the day.

We have no ingredients and no staff.

Let's be honest. We don't even have customers.

Song-yi.

How about

we close the restaurant for a while?

We can't manage when no one's applying for work.

Not to mention,

you and I are both…

so exhausted.

We managed so far, however tough things were.

I promised.

I promised Dad I'd keep the restaurant open.

No. I can't keep doing this.

I came this far, and that's good enough.

I tried.

They'll understand.

Even Dad.

Dad…

This is exactly what they want.

They want Famiglia to close and disappear.

They want Dad to be erased.

If I give up on Famiglia

just because things are hard…

Where are you going?

I'll go and convince Mr. Park to supply us just a few more days.

And I'll try to persuade the section head

to stay until the end of the month.

I'll do whatever it takes to get what we need,

whether it's ingredients or staff.

What's that noise?

Is the cooling fan malfunctioning?

I don't think it is.

That's just odd.

Cooking isn't about science or skill.

It's about the heart.

To cook for the one person who will eat the food.

To move that person with your sincerity.

That's what real cuisine is.

Just like the food you'll eat here today.

Hey, Chef Choi. Over here.

Man…

This is my son, Han.

Say hello, Han.

He's the head chef of Famiglia.

I'll have the signature course.

Okay. Thank you.

She didn't even ask which wine I'd like.

It's early, but still, no other customers?

This is definitely the place I visited long ago.

Nothing has changed much.

So what is

this chilling sense I feel?

The raw odor

of freshly thawed frozen meat.

What do you mean?

Chef Choi Seung-hyo is dead?

Well…

It's quite unfortunate. I'm sorry.

I hoped to taste Famiglia's food again after ten years.

Don't be too disappointed.

To welcome you to Korea, Ms. Seon here

reserved a table at the best restaurant in Korea.

You know Exception, don't you?

Cha Woo-jin's Exception.

We've asked Chef Cha to prepare the food with extra care,

so tonight's dinner will be a special experience.

Isn't that right, Ms. Seon?

Yes.

ANTIPASTO SEARED SCALLOPS WITH VONGOLE SAUCE

How is it?

It's fresh scallops seared quickly over high heat,

served with a classic clam sauce.

Delicious, right?

SHRIMP RAVIOLI

Is it good, son?

It's the best. It's so good, Dad.

It's gone bad.

Oh dear.

I apologize.

This thing is pretty old.

SPINACH RISOTTO

When you scoop it up,

it should gently flow off the back of the spoon.

That's the perfect risotto texture.

The perfect risotto?

MAIN DISH BLACK GOAT SIRLOIN STEAK

The delectable pink flesh.

Don't you want a piece?

Han, why won't you eat this delicious food?

This is what real cuisine is.

Food that moves the diner's heart.

Smelly scallops and spoiled ravioli.

A perfectly sludgy risotto.

And a main dish that's dry to the core.

I want you to remember this moment forever, Han.

A moment to remember forever.

Take me to Famiglia.

What do you mean, Monsieur Bernier?

Why go to a restaurant without a chef?

Hello.

For one last time,

I wish to eat Famiglia's food

and remember Chef Choi.

It's a nightmare.

Pardon?

Cooking isn't just about serving good food.

Food can bring back someone's precious memories.

It can also give them courage to live on.

What you served today

turned a great memory I had for 26 years

into a nightmare.

What an unorganized kitchen.

There's no regard for basic hygiene.

And there's one chef preparing the signature course alone.

Who are you?

The sous-chef?

The chef de partie?

Where's the head chef, and how dare they let you serve such food?

The quality of the ingredients, the seasoning,

the viscosity of the sauce and purée, and the overcooked meat!

The whole thing was a disaster.

How could this place go so far downhill?

All that money and fame.

Did it go to your head?

You should be ashamed

for disgracing Famiglia's name by serving such trash!

Watch what you say!

My dad never, not even once,

let anything get to his head.

That's why he left a wronged man!

What is she talking about?

"Dad"?

I don't care about that.

I'm here as a customer.

I came here to eat Famiglia's food.

The kitchen may be a mess, the ingredients might not be ready,

and the service might be terrible!

Even if the head chef left the restaurant to be on TV,

you should've served Famiglia's signature dishes to perfection.

This dismal place can't be Famiglia!

-Song-yi. Are you okay? -Auntie.

Auntie.

Dad…

Dad…

Get down.

I said get down.

What?

Get down!

By the way,

what is it that you do?

It's been ten years.

Henri Bernier?

I'd like you to serve dinner tonight.

-Go. -What is this?

It's perfect.

Find out quickly who he is.

What is his connection to Famiglia?

The best K-chef?

That man from yesterday.

I'm offering you a deal, Ms. Choi.

I want to show them for once

-Dad! -that they can't always have their way.

Help me.

Subtitle: Jennifer Jean Lim