From Culinary Hell to Second Chances: ENA’s ‘Baek Jong-Won’s Les Misérables’ Sparks Controversy
ENA’s “Baek Jong-won’s Les Misérables,” which premiered on November 30, dishes up a potent mix of culinary competition and social commentary, raising eyebrows and sparking debate. The show puts the spotlight on 20 former young offenders, giving them a chance to turn their lives around under the mentorship of celebrity chef Baek Jong-won and a team of his culinary colleagues.
The stakes are high: these individuals aren’t just competing for kitchen glory, they’re battling to rewrite their narratives and break free from the shackles of their pasts. One contestant in particular, Kim Dong-jun, has drawn both fascination and criticism. Kim, who received a “penalty number 9” for his involvement in petty theft, shared his story on the show, shedding light on the difficult circumstances that led him down a troubled path.
“When I was in the first grade of primary school, my parents separated and I came to live at my uncle’s house. But three months later, I was beaten for not getting an education right. It was a daily practice, and everything from the neck down was pressed,” Kim recounted.
The experience left lasting scars. “When I did my business in the bathroom, brown blood came out (in the urine). with a smell. I didn’t want to live,” he revealed, describing the despair that drove him to risky choices.
Kim’s past and the severity of his penalty have ignited controversy. Penalty number 9, a classification within the South Korean Juvenile Justice system, signifies a serious offense. Individuals designated with this penalty face potential six-month stays in youth detention centers.
While some argue that the show might inadvertently glorify criminal behavior, others see it as a powerful platform for redemption. The show’s creator, Baek Jong-won, addressed the controversy, stating:
“What changed the life of Jean Valjean in the novel ‘Les Misérables’ was the money candle, faith and opportunity of Bishop Myriel. Did I also fail a lot. Life is good from the beginning, but I fail.” He continued, “It is to create a platform where those who haven’t even had the opportunity to face the challenges they desperately need, and yes this is a challenge for me and for them. If you think there is no hope, even if you have given up, your life can change.”
“Baek Jong-won’s Les Misérables” is a show that doesn’t shy away from complex realities. It forces viewers to confront difficult questions about justice, opportunity, and the possibility of redemption.
The show, set to broadcast on international platforms like FriDay Video, iQIYI, Viu, and KC Global Media’s ONE Channel, is poised to bring these conversations to a global audience. Whether audiences are inspired or unsettled, one thing is clear: “Baek Jong-won’s Les Misérables” offers a stirring glimpse into the lives of individuals yearning for a second chance.
