{
  "id": 16604371,
  "title": "JTBC's 'Final Table' joins weekend drama race",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/26/jtbcs-final-table-joins-weekend-drama-race",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-26T13:17:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/entertainment/20261026/jtbcs-final-table-joins-weekend-drama-race"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The weekend drama race features JTBC’s \"Final Table,\" a culinary competition drama starring Ahn Hyo-seop. The show enters the competition alongside other weekend hits led by Kim Ji-won and Kim Yoo-jung. \"Final Table\" blends a familiar cooking competition format with a touching family narrative, capturing viewers' interest as it questions whether it can succeed in the crowded weekend television landscape. The first episode aired on October 24th and follows a global group of Korean chefs competing in the fictional \"The Table: K-Chef 2026\" competition to crown the best Korean chef. Directed by Kim Do-hoon, known for \"The Moon Embracing the Sun\" and \"Royal Family,\" the series boasts a talented cast led by Ahn Hyo-seop, Hong Hwa-yeon, Jang Ryul, Jung Yoo-jin, and Cha Ji-yeon. The opening episode introduced protagonist Choi Song-yi (played by Hong Hwa-yeon), a woman mourning the loss of her father, Choi Seung-hyo, the head chef of Familia, and her initial encounter with the world of cooking.",
  "summary": "Amid the weekend drama showdown led by Kim Ji-won and Kim Yoo-jung, JTBC’s “Final Table,” starring Ahn Hyo-seop, has entered the competition. Combining a familiar cooking competition format with a heartwarming family story, the drama is drawing attention over whether it can make its mark in the fiercely competitive weekend television market. The first episode of “Final Table,” which aired on Oct.…",
  "key_points": [
    "JTBC’s Final Table joins weekend drama race",
    "Show debuts October 24th with global Korean chefs",
    "Directed by Kim Do-hoon of The Moon Embracing the Sun"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Blending culinary competition with family narrative allows JTBC to challenge established weekend hits by targeting viewers through a combination of high-stakes cooking and emotional storytelling.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}