When does Final Table premiere?

JTBC's weekend drama Final Table premieres on October 24, 2026. The series was introduced at a press conference held on October 22 at The Link Hotel in Guro-gu, Seoul.

What is the story about?

The drama is set around The Table K-Chef 2026, a contest to find Korea's best chef, where chefs from around the world compete. Ahn Hyo-seop plays Kang Han, a mysterious genius chef who has spent years training abroad. He meets Choi Song-yi, played by Hong Hwa-yeon, the new owner of Restaurant Familia, and joins the restaurant as head chef for the competition. Choi is trying to save the restaurant her late father left behind.

Who is in the cast?

Jang Ryul plays Cha Woo-jin, a top star chef and Kang Han's rival. According to Jang, he spent nearly two months learning knife and wok skills from a real chef before filming began.

How is it different from other cooking shows?

Ahn said he studied the composure and expressions of chefs on Netflix's Culinary Class Wars to prepare for his first chef role. Director Kim Do-hoon said the drama differs from reality cooking shows that focus on techniques, wins, and personal stories. Instead, he said the series looks at why the chefs cook. Ahn described the drama as a bowl of noodles made with a mother's care, a warm and personal meal rather than a flashy one.

For international fans

Kim Do-hoon wrote and directed Moon Embracing the Sun, a historical drama that became popular in Korea. Ahn Hyo-seop's earlier work is well known among Korean drama viewers, and this is his first time playing a professional chef. Viewers outside Korea can check the broadcaster's official channels for information on where the series will stream.