Suvechha Sarkar
When season 1 of Netflix’s ‘Culinary Class Wars’ first introduced the black-spoon chefs, very few could have predicted that one of them would rise to redefine the competition entirely. It was none other than Kwon Sung-jun, who first came before the audience under the alias of Napoli Matfia. He stepped into the culinary battleground with no celebrity status, relying only on technique, instinct, and an unwavering belief in his skills. What followed was a thrilling journey for him that ultimately culminated in an incredible victory, earning him a 300 million Won grand prize.
Kwon Sung-jun’s Precision and Essence Carried Him to the Top
From the beginning of the competition, Kwon Sung-jun AKA Napoli Matfia, distinguished himself by preparing cuisine by going outside the show’s dominant trends of Korean and modern fusion cooking. As a devoted Italian specialist, he combined the essence of fine dining with the simplicity of a true pizzeria. Sung-jun’s dishes were quite elegant, bold, and deeply expressive. It earned him the judges’ praise from the earliest part of the competition, and he became one of the most technically skilled black-spoon chefs in the competition.
As the show progressed through intense cooking battles and elimination rounds, Sung-jun consistently delivered tasty dishes. He also became known for his bravery and the verbal jabs that he made towards his opponents, which often created tension. For the Grand Finale, he made a lamb and pistachio dish. It paved the way for him to become the season’s winner and win the cash prize. Despite his victory, Sung-jun didn’t forget the comments he had made toward his competitors and later apologized for coming across as “arrogant.” He explained that it was his façade of bravado, as he was nervous.
Kwon Sung-jun Runs His Own Restaurant and Has Published His Book
Kwon Sung-jun, also known as Napoli Matfia, has become one of the most esteemed Italian cuisine specialists in South Korea, a reputation shaped by years of discipline and commitment. He began pursuing a career in cooking during his teenage years. Instead of honing his skills in traditional Korean cuisine, he decided to specialize in Italian cooking. Sung-jun enrolled at Italy’s prestigious culinary school ALMA, where his formal training laid the foundation for his professional life. Ultimately, he began working at the two Michelin-starred restaurant, Dani Maison, near Naples, Italy. After moving on from that establishment, Sung-jun joined the renowned three Michelin-starred eatery, Le Calandre in Northern Italy. In that kitchen, he steadily deepened his understanding of flavor, a skill that would later set him apart.
After working there for a while, Sung-jun returned to South Korea. He then opened Via Toledo, a small pasta bar dedicated to authentic Neapolitan flavors, thoughtfully blended with Korean taste. The restaurant quickly gained acclaim and is often described by several articles and tourism guides as a “culinary gem.” Following his victory on the show, the demand for reservations at his eatery has increased drastically. In October 2024, the overwhelming traffic reportedly crashed the server of Catch Table, which is a popular restaurant reservation and rating platform in South Korea. As of writing, Sung-jun is both the chef and the owner of Via Toledo. He has also appeared as a guest and substitute host on various television programs, such as ‘Jun Hyun‑moo Plan 2.’
Moreover, Sung-jun has a prominent presence in digital media, with over 366K followers on Instagram. His feed offers a curated glimpse into his mouthwatering culinary creations, as well as occasional sneak peeks into his personal life. In May 2025, Sung-jun achieved another milestone when he was featured on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list. Four months later, the chef made a public appearance as the Korean ambassador for the liquor brand Stella Artois, alongside David Beckham. In October, he collaborated with the renowned girl group Le Sserafim and the global brand UNIQLO, furthering his momentum. Additionally, he has done partnerships with Samsung. Sung-jun further published his own book ‘Neapolitan Matfia Secret Recipe’ on November 25, 2025, marking yet another chapter in his ever-evolving culinary legacy.
Kwon Sung-jun is a Sports Enthusiast With a Profound Love For Traveling
Away from the heat of the professional kitchen and the constant spotlight that followed after his win, Sung-jun leads a personal life that is always grounded in simplicity. Despite his growing fame, he always appreciates the small pleasures of everyday life. Being a passionate soccer fan, Sung-jun often finds himself drawn to stadiums where the energy of live games replenishes his soul. In August 2025, he attended his favorite footballer, Son Heung-Min’s, last match for the Tottenham team at the Seoul World Cup Stadium. Sung-jun’s love for sports is further highlighted by the fact that he often enjoys meeting his beloved players and collecting their autographs.
At his core, Sung-jun is always deeply appreciative of the people around him. He consistently makes an effort to recognize and celebrate his colleagues. His life at home is equally heartfelt, revolving around his two beloved kittens who have become a constant source of comfort and joy for him. Beyond that, Sung-jun is an avid traveler. In June 2025, he jetted off to Rome, Italy, before heading to Naples later that month. By September, he was exploring New York City, wandering its bustling streets and soaking in the vibrant energy. While he occasionally shares glimpses of these moments, Sung-jun has chosen to keep the details of his personal life private, allowing his passion for work to speak for itself.
Read More: The Great British Baking Show Holidays: Where Are The Episode 2 Contestants Now?
