Controversy continues to surround chef Im Seong-keun, who directly revealed past drunk driving. Opinions are split between those who view the voluntary confession and apology as a responsible choice and those who criticize the timing and wording as inappropriate.
On the 18th, Im Seong-keun posted a handwritten apology on his YouTube channel "Imjjang TV" and bowed his head. He said, "I deeply apologize to those who have cared for and supported me" and "I want to confess and apologize for a major mistake from the past that remained as a heavy burden in a corner of my heart."
In a previously released video, Im Seong-keun admitted that he committed drunk driving three times over the past 10 years. He said, "A wrong is a wrong," and explained, "I did not want to evade responsibility. My license was revoked as criminal punishment and I later reobtained it." He added, "I thought it was right to not hide it from my subscribers and to apologize."
As the controversy spread, Im Seong-keun said in an additional apology that "drunk driving is an unforgivable wrong for any reason," and noted, "I deeply regretted it at the time and accept the legal punishment. I spent several years in self-reflection." He also explained his reason for confessing, saying, "I judged that continuing activities while covering up the past amid excessive recent affection would be a betrayal of those who trusted me."
Reactions to this choice are sharply divided. Some say, "The fact that he revealed it himself before it became a controversy and acknowledged responsibility is commendable," and "The attitude of not hiding the past was itself honest." On the other hand, critics argue, "Compared with the serious matter of three instances of drunk driving, expressions asking for 'forgiveness' blur the sense of warning," and "Although he emphasized self-reflection and punishment, awareness of the potential for harm was lacking."
Ultimately, Im Seong-keun's confession can be read as a 'gain' in terms of a preemptive choice to restore trust, and as a 'poison' in that he turned a serious crime into a personal narrative. Since a voluntary confession cannot be a free pass, future actions and messages are likely to be the key to restoring trust.
[Photo] 'You Quiz'
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