Los angeles: Netflix's "Beef" is returning for a second season, this time delving deeper into the Korean American experience with a stronger Korean storyline, its creator said. "I knew Korea would be a big part of the season long before I wrote a single word," Lee Sung-jin, the Emmy-winning anthology series' creator and showrunner, said at an online press conference on Tuesday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the second installment follows a young couple who witnesses a fight between their boss and his wife, setting off a chain of favors and coercion within the elitist world of a country club and its Korean billionaire owner. Lee shared his experience of working with Korean stars, including BTS' frontman RM, and associating with "an upper echelon world I've never seen before," such as chaebol tycoons, following the success of the first season. This experience, he said, led him to set the new season against a larger Korean backdrop.

"Once I had that in my head, I thought, shoot for the moon -- go for the two greatest actors alive: Youn Yuh-jung and Song Kang-ho," Lee remarked. Youn plays Chairwoman Park, the billionaire chairwoman of a country club, and Song portrays Dr. Kim, her private doctor and second husband. He recounted Song's initial hesitation, as the actor "respectfully declined" the casting offer, unsure if the part fit him. Youn intervened, encouraging Song by asserting his capability to take on any role.

The director highlighted the significance of the scene featuring Youn and Song together, calling it "the highlight of my career," as it marked their first collaboration in Korean film history. Lee also shared an amusing moment when filmmaker Bong Joon-ho visited the set, offering light-hearted critique.

Charles Melton, portraying Austin, a central character, described his role as navigating the complexities of identity and cultural proximity within the Korean American experience. Melton and Lee had in-depth discussions about these themes, informed by Melton's own Korean heritage and upbringing.

The first season of "Beef," released in April 2023, garnered critical acclaim, winning multiple awards at both the Primetime Emmy Awards and the Golden Globe Awards. The new season, described by Lee as "the natural, spiritual sibling to Season 1," is set to premiere on April 16, with aspirations to bridge Western and Eastern cinematic elements.