Culinary Class Wars chef Lee Juck heads home as his son improves

"My son's condition has improved a lot." Chef Lee Dong-jun, who appeared on Netflix's 'Culinary Class Wars,' has set foot on Korean soil with his son, who has developmental disabilities. Appearing on tvN's 'You Quiz on the Block' aired on the 22nd, Lee Dong-jun shared updates on his son's improved condition and revealed that the entire family has decided to return to Korea and settle in Seoul.

Lee Dong-jun opened up about the pain he felt when his son was first diagnosed with autism spectrum developmental disability. When his son was two years old, they noticed he was different from his peers at daycare and visited a hospital, where the diagnosis was confirmed. "I spent about a year living in hell. I couldn't accept it, and I felt the terror that our future was disappearing," he confessed.

Wanting to provide his child with a better environment for treatment, Lee Dong-jun eventually stepped away from his restaurant and chose to move to the United States. Life in America was intense. Struggling with the language barrier, he worked without rest from 8 a.m. until 1 a.m., enduring such grueling times that he lost 18kg.

Support from younger brother Lee Dong-ha and family bonds

By Lee Dong-jun's side was his identical twin brother, Lee Dong-ha. Lee Dong-ha supported his brother's tuition for culinary school in the U.S. and his living expenses, helping Lee Dong-jun pursue his path as a chef.

During the broadcast, Lee Dong-ha's affection for his nephew, Jae-jin, was also revealed. Lee Dong-ha shared that spending time with his nephew is a daily routine, saying, "Jae-jin is truly a kind child." When the brother mentioned he stays with the nephew to allow his brother and sister-in-law to rest, Yoo Jae Suk and Lee Dong-jun were moved to tears. Lee Dong-ha expressed his ambition to help the foundation his brother wishes to establish in the future, along with his desire to give love to his nephew.

"He thinks his dad is the winner" Son watches Culinary Class Wars

Lee Dong-jun also shared an update on his son watching 'Culinary Class Wars.' He said his son loves the program so much that he has rewatched it more than 20 times. The son continues to rewatch up to episode 5, where his father appeared, and because he doesn't yet know who the final winner is, he believes his father is the winner, bringing laughter to the set.