Watching television, one naturally feels compelled to praise people who quietly carry their weight with sincerity and consideration. Moments of professionalism and respect used to be easy to find. These days, not so much.

Last week, there was something worth praising but it wasn’t on traditional TV. Netflix’s Culinary Class Wars 2 offered multiple moments of dignity, respect, and empathy even within fierce competition. Before getting to that, however, there is a scene from broadcast television that cannot be ignored.

On December 27, MBC aired episode 378 of Point of Omniscient Interfere. Comedian Lee Young Ja reopened her “gaemaek” (grocery bar) gathering for the second time, inviting the cast of Disney+’s Made in Korea Hyun Bin, Jung Woo Sung, Park Yong Woo, Noh Jae Won, and Kang Gil Woo.

The problem? There were five guests, but the attention was almost exclusively directed at two.

From Lee Young Ja to fellow panelists RalRal and Poongja, the focus remained firmly on Hyun Bin and Jung Woo Sung. Park Yong Woo was barely given the chance to speak at all—his voice could be counted on one hand throughout the episode.

Noh Jae Won and Kang Gil Woo at least had moments to discuss the project, sing, or perform impressions. Park Yong Woo, however, was effectively rendered invisible. Whether his scenes were edited out or he was simply never engaged remains unclear but either explanation points to discourtesy.

If the production only wanted Hyun Bin and Jung Woo Sung, they should have invited just the two of them.

Park Yong Woo is not a rookie or a supporting extra. Born in 1971, he debuted as an MBC talent in 1995 and has an extensive filmography spanning decades. By age, experience, and seniority, there was no justification for sidelining him. Even if usable footage was lacking, a studio mention or contextual commentary could and should have been added.

The format of Point of Omniscient Interfere relies heavily on observation and discussion. That no one noticed or addressed the imbalance is baffling.

Was Park Yong Woo simply shy? Bad at variety? The answer is no.

Anyone who watched Na Young Seok PD’s YouTube channel Channel Fullmoon, where Hyun Bin, Park Yong Woo, Woo Do Hwan, and Seo Eun Soo appeared together, would know better. Though Hyun Bin naturally drew attention, opportunities were distributed far more evenly. Park Yong Woo even initiated humor, joking about how rare it was to have individual chairs on set “This must be a production with money,” he quipped.

That contrast only raises the question further: Why was Park Yong Woo silenced on MBC?

Now, for something truly worthy of praise.

Netflix’s Culinary Class Wars 2 proves that competition does not have to come at the expense of respect. When news broke that Monk Seonjae would appear on the show, concerns arose about whether the environment might be too harsh.

Those fears proved unfounded.

Watching Seonjae sincerely root for his blind-match opponent saying he hoped the other chef would win was unexpectedly moving. Likewise, Chef Park Hyo Nam’s wish that his rival would surpass him and “fly even higher” exemplified generosity rarely seen on TV.

In team missions, veteran Chef Hudukjuk willingly followed the instructions of a far more junior chef and did not object when his knife was used without permission. These moments mattered.

The contrast is stark.

One program reduces its guests to background props. Another preserves dignity even amid rivalry. Viewers see everything. Viewers remember everything.

If broadcasters still wonder why traditional TV is losing its audience, perhaps the answer has already been aired loud and clear.

Sources: Entermedia,MBC,Netflix,Disney+