[Edaily Starin, Reporter YUN GI BACK ] “Undercover Chef” is shifting its setting to Korea this time. The star chefs, who were once the “junior members” in overseas kitchens, return in a spin-off that flips the dynamic of the original series by welcoming the local chefs who trained them to Korea.

tvN will air “Undercover Chef: Friends from Afar,” a spin-off of “Undercover Chef,” in the second half of 2026. Chefs from Naples, Italy, and Chengdu, China—who formed bonds in the original series—will visit Korea to reunite with Kwon Seong-jun and Jeong Ji-seon.
“Undercover Chef” is a variety show in which star chefs, hiding their identities, join as junior staff members at restaurants in the countries where their culinary roots lie to experience local kitchens firsthand. Sam Kim worked alongside kitchen staff in Parma, Italy; Jeong Ji-seon in Chengdu, China; and Kwon Seong-jun in Naples, Italy. Rather than simple cooking challenges, the show resonated with viewers due to the relationships that developed amid unfamiliar languages and cultures, and the final episode recorded a peak viewership rating of 8.6%.
The core of the spin-off is the “reversal of roles.” Kwon Seong-jun and Jeong Ji-seon, who were in the position of learners while abroad, will now welcome local chefs to Korea—their home turf. It will be a new highlight to see how the chefs, who have been preparing authentic dishes in Naples and Chengdu, react as they experience Korean food culture, ingredients, and kitchens firsthand.
The production team stated, “The Naples and Chengdu teams have already finished filming,” adding, “Many unexpected episodes arose from the reversed dynamic.”
However, the Parma team, which formed a bond with Sam Kim, will not be participating in this spin-off. The production team explained that it was difficult to coordinate schedules with the local chefs, who run their own restaurants. The Parma team is reportedly planning a visit to Korea next February, so the possibility of a future reunion remains.
“Undercover Chef: Friends from Afar” is directed by producers Hong Jin-ju and Yoon Min-jun and is scheduled to air in the second half of 2026.