MBC Delays Premiere of 'Chef in Antarctica' Featuring Baek Jong-won

The premiere of the MBC variety show 'Chef in Antarctica' (남극의 셰프), featuring Baek Jong-won (백종원), has been postponed. While some speculate that the delay is linked to recent controversies surrounding Baek and his company, The Born Korea (더본코리아), MBC clarified that the scheduling change is due to news coverage and the early presidential election period.

An MBC representative stated on April 14, 2025, that they will announce the new broadcast date once it is confirmed.

'Chef in Antarctica' is a collaborative project between MBC and LG Uplus's Studio X+U, showcasing Baek as he prepares meals for members of the Antarctic wintering team living in extreme conditions. Filming took place in Antarctica from November to December last year, with a focus on cooking with limited ingredients and resources.

The postponement has led to speculation that it may be influenced by the recent issues faced by Baek and The Born Korea, which have included controversies over the pricing and quality of their products, as well as allegations of violating agricultural laws and mislabeling origins. In response, Baek has issued public apologies and expressed remorse during a recent shareholders' meeting, stating that he is reevaluating the company's internal systems to prevent future issues.