LovEnlight WithOut

⚠️ Spoiler Alert
If you’ve only watched the first few episodes, stop here if you don’t want to know who ends up in the Top 2.

The title of this post is inspired by a childhood story many of us know well, The Rabbit and the Tortoise.

I just finished watching Netflix Culinary Class War Season 2, Episode 11 , and this particular episode really stood out to me. It highlights something so simple, yet so deeply true.

Being fast doesn’t always mean being good.
And being slow doesn’t mean being bad.

Most contestants chose to prepare multiple dishes. But two of them, Chef Choi Kang Rok and Brewmaster Yoon, made a bold decision. They chose to focus on just one dish, using the full three hours to perfect it.

If I were in the competition, I would probably do the same.
Do one thing exceptionally well, and maybe have a backup.

This episode clearly showed the truth of quality over quantity, a universal principle that applies far beyond cooking.

Of course, skill and experience still matter. To produce a single dish worthy of the judges’ standards, deep mastery is required.

And honestly, respect to the judges, Chef Paik Jong-won and Chef Anh Sung-jae. Having to taste so many dishes back to back is no easy job. People often think being a foodie judge is pure enjoyment, but in reality, it is hard work, though still… hahaha 😆

The Silent Inner Battle

While other contestants kept sending dish after dish into the judges’ room, these two stayed focused, quietly working on just one.

Watching this, I couldn’t help but relate it to real life.

So many times, I’ve seen friends and family reach milestones quickly, while I seem to be moving at my own pace. I wondered if these competitors felt doubt creeping in too.

Did they question their strategy as they watched others go in and out of the judges’ room again and again?

That inner battle, the constant mental tug of war, is something we never get to see on screen. I could almost imagine it playing out like the movie Inside Out.

Never Stop Learning

This show also reminded me of something important.
Learning doesn’t stop just because school ends or we reach a certain level.

Sometimes, experience inflates the ego and whispers, “You’re good enough. You can stop growing now.”

But look at Chef Hou Deok-juk, a veteran with over 50 years in the industry, who continues to learn, grow, and create. That alone speaks volumes.

Introverts Stepping Into the Light

Introverts often hide, not because we lack ability, but because staying invisible feels safe.

Watching this made the show deeply enjoyable for me. Hardworking, passionate people who have been behind the scenes for so long are finally stepping into the light and shining.

It especially resonated with me to see Chef Choi, a shy and clearly introverted person, re-enter the competition. This time, he made it into the Top 2.

Seeing two introverted contestants reach the Top 7 really inspired me to shine in my own field too.

Chef Choi is definitely an introvert. I’ve watched many of his shows, and he’s adorably awkward on camera. But that awkwardness is exactly what makes him so authentic and lovable. You can feel that he’s being real.

Another contestants, Brewmaster Yoon, was visibly nervous in the earlier rounds. Her hands were shaking as she prepared her food. Watching her felt deeply familiar.

An introvert bravely stepping into the spotlight, letting skill speak louder than confidence.

As she progressed through the competition, you could see her confidence grow.

This show truly compresses so many life lessons into a short span of time.

What I Learned from This Show

1. Quality vs Quantity

It’s not about how many times we try.
It’s about how present, focused, and wholehearted we are when we try.

Are we doing something with our full heart, or just going through the motions?

2. Continue Learning

Learning shouldn’t stop just because we’re adults.
Work, family, and responsibilities often push growth aside.

For me, learning things I’m passionate about brings joy.
Set aside time to grow and learn what excites you.

3. Accepting Failure

Failure isn’t the end.
It’s part of life.

Each failure teaches us something and invites us to become stronger, wiser, and more creative versions of ourselves.

4. Shine and Live the Life You Desire

This show reminded me that it is safe now to shine and live the life we truly desire.

Earth no longer requires us to hide ourselves to survive.
We are allowed to come into the light.

Do not let money become the limitation that stops you from stepping forward. When you are on the right path, support will appear with every step. Sometimes it comes from people, sometimes from opportunities, and sometimes in ways we cannot logically explain, from heaven or from earth.

You do not need to see the entire staircase.
You only need the courage to take the next step.

And when your intentions are aligned, you will not be walking alone.

That’s all I wanted to share today.
Now back to studying for my test tomorrow 😉

Happy learning, everyone.

Love & Light

Kai