'Culinary Class Wars 2 cast chef Im Seong-keun has not seen the controversy subside easily since he directly admitted to past drunk driving. Despite voluntary confession and apology, opinions remain sharply divided.
Im Seong-keun on the 18th released a video titled "Food and drinking" on his YouTube channel ' Lim Seong-geun ImjjangTV' and confessed, "Because I like alcohol, I made mistakes. Over 10 years I drove under the influence three times." He explained, "After drinking I tended to sleep in the car, and I was once caught by police while sitting in the car with the engine running," adding, "I didn't know at the time, but you're supposed to turn the engine off."
He also said, "The most recent detection was five to six years ago," adding, "My license was revoked as a criminal punishment and I later reobtained it." He said, "Since then I've pulled myself together and don't drive drunk. Nowadays I call a designated driver even after one drink," but bowed his head, saying, "I wanted to hide it, too, but if it became an issue later more people would be hurt. Wrong is wrong."
After the video was released, online reactions split sharply. Some internet users positively assessed Im Seong-keun's confession, saying, "It was a courageous choice to openly admit past wrongs instead of hiding them," "He has already been punished and if there has been no recurrence there's no need to do more than watch," and "I acknowledge the honesty itself."
On the other hand, critical public opinion was strong. Criticisms continued, saying, "Three instances of drunk driving are by no means trivial," "He presented a crime as a personal narrative rather than a mistake," "The content's humorous tone was inappropriate," and "Separate from the apology, public responsibility should be considered."
As the controversy spread, Im Seong-keun posted a handwritten apology the same day. He said, "Drunk driving is my fault that cannot be excused for any reason," and added, "I accepted the legal punishment and spent the past few years reflecting on myself in seclusion." He explained the reason for his confession, saying, "Receiving excessive affection recently and continuing activities while covering up the past felt like a betrayal of those who trusted me."
However, debate continues even after the apology. Opinions that acknowledge the meaning of voluntary confession oppose voices saying a strict standard is necessary given the seriousness of drunk driving. Public opinion remains at a crossroads over whether the choice of "not hiding it" can be a criterion for evaluation or whether it itself sparked another controversy.
[Photo] 'YouTube'
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