[Dispatch=Reporter Lee Ajin] "It's a drama that conveys sincerity through food." (Ahn Hyo-seop)

Cooking survival and drama have met. Fierce competitions that resemble actual cooking contests unfold. From lavish fine dining to humble home meals, diverse dishes capture the eye.

However, the real competition is not solely about cooking skills. Chefs complete their dishes based on their own philosophies. Each plate contains their own life stories and circumstances intact.

The dishes born this way transcend simple competition to become a medium connecting people with people. Stories of family affection, love, and growth unfold within the competition. It conveys both tension and warm emotion simultaneously.

On the 22nd, the production team of JTBC's new Saturday drama 'Final Table' held a production presentation at The Drink Tribute Hotel in Guro-gu, Seoul. Director Kim Do-hoon, Ahn Hyo-seop, Hong Hwa-yeon, Jang Ryul, and Jung Yujin attended.

'Final Table' is set against the cooking survival show 'The Table: K Chef 2026.' It depicts the story of chefs from around the world competing to win the championship.

Ahn Hyo-seop took on a strong role. He is a chef who has made a name for himself in Europe and the United States. One day, he experiences an unexpected accident and comes to Korea. After becoming the head chef of the restaurant 'Familia,' he participates in the survival competition.

Ahn Hyo-seop said, "When I read the script, I thought it was a work that allowed me to think about humanity rather than specific emotions. It made me reflect on the relationships between people."

Above all, he put the most effort into cooking practice. He said, "I thought there should be no gaps in knife work and plating," and "I practiced hard whenever I had time."

He also referenced actual cooking programs. Ahn Hyo-seop said, "I paid attention to the attitudes of chefs," explaining, "I especially tried to incorporate into the character the composure maintained even in tense situations."

Jang Ryul plays Cha Woo-jin. Cha Woo-jin is the owner chef of 'Acceptión,' Korea's top contemporary restaurant. He is a star chef drawing attention from the food industry and pursues perfect cooking.

He was drawn to the moving story. He said, "The script felt very pure," and "While depicting fierce competition, it contained stories about family and love."

He committed to cooking practice before filming. Jang Ryul recalled, "I practiced cutting onions and carrots, as well as pulling and pushing cuts. Now I'm confident in ingredient preparation," adding, "I also referenced cooking documentaries that the director showed me."

Hong Hwa-yeon plays Choi Song-yi. She is the daughter of the owner chef of 'Familia' and a hall manager. After her father passes away, she lives with the resolve to protect the restaurant. She is also the one who suggests that Han participate in the survival competition.

She said, "The most attractive aspect was being able to show growth," and "I also liked Song-yi's kind side. I tried to express her integrity and her heart for the restaurant as much as possible."

The point to watch is the cooking showdown between Han and Cha Woo-jin. The two clash with different philosophies. While Cha Woo-jin pursues perfect cooking based on obsession and fixation, Han infuses narrative into food.

Ahn Hyo-seop said, "Cha Woo-jin is a chef who cooks by meticulously calculating every process," and "In contrast, Han tries to imbue meaning into cooking. He incorporates his sincerity into each dish."

In the story, they engage in tense competition, but the actual filming set was harmonious. Jang Ryul recalled, "I had fun conversations with Ahn Hyo-seop off set," adding, "Once filming began, we tried to show the complete opposite atmosphere."

Ahn Hyo-seop also expressed satisfaction with their acting chemistry. He said, "On set, Jang Ryul hyung always smiled warmly. I was even worried whether I could handle the scene where I grab him by the collar. But once filming started, he quickly immersed himself and created an intense dynamic."

Director Kim sought to differentiate from existing cooking entertainment. The direction evokes an actual cooking survival. However, he made a new attempt by combining dramatic narrative in the middle.

He said, "Viewers might be confused whether the actors appeared on a cooking entertainment show," adding, "It may feel unfamiliar and uncomfortable to some, but I think it will be a fresh attempt for others."

He continued, "Since it was an attempt no one had made before, we boldly challenged it. I believe 'Black and White Cooking' has elevated the public's palate for fine cuisine. Thanks to that, I think our work will be more easily accessible to viewers."

Finally, Ahn Hyo-seop said, "Like a mother's table, our work contains warm memories," and "If viewers want to share a delicious meal with someone after watching the drama, I believe our work's message has resonated."

Meanwhile, 'Final Table' airs for the first time on the 24th at 10:40 p.m.

<Photo=Reporter Song Hyo-jin>