Chef Im Seong-keun of "Culinary Class Wars 2," who confessed to drunk driving himself, posted a handwritten apology.
On Jan. 18, Im Seong-keun bowed and said in a post on his YouTube channel Imjjang TV, "First, I bow my head and offer my deepest apologies to the many fans and viewers who care for and support me."
That day Im Seong-keun said, "Today I confess a major mistake from my past that has remained as a heavy burden in a corner of my heart, and I sincerely ask for apology and forgiveness for it."
Earlier that day Im Seong-keun confessed in a YouTube video that he had driven under the influence three times over the past 10 years. He said, "What I did wrong is wrong, period. I don't want to evade my fault," and added, "So I received criminal punishment and had my license canceled, and I got my license again."
Im Seong-keun apologized, saying, "I don't want to hide myself. It's right to apologize to our subscribers. I'm not hiding it. I feel sorry to the subscribers for causing unnecessary concern." Im Seong-keun added, "Suddenly receiving tremendous love became a burden. Living a busy, then difficult life, I drank a lot, and I hope you will forgive me generously. I am grateful for the great love," and said, "I will live carefully to avoid causing problems."
As the controversy grew, Im Seong-keun posted a written apology himself, explaining, "Drunk driving is my fault and mistake that cannot be excused for any reason. At the time I deeply regretted it and accepted legal punishment. Over the past few years I have reflected on myself while keeping a low profile."
He added, "But recently, as I began to receive excessive attention, I felt that continuing activities while burying past mistakes would be a deception to and disrespectful toward those who trust me. I judged that it was my duty to confess and apologize for these facts with my own mouth before it was too late, so I posted this today."
Finally, Im Seong-keun said, "I sincerely apologize once again for disappointing you with my careless actions. I will govern myself and live so that I do not forget past mistakes and can be a cook who exerts a positive influence on society. I formally apologize once again to everyone who trusted me."
Below is the full apology from Im Seong-keun
Hello. I am Im Seong-keun.
First, I bow my head and offer my deepest apologies to the fans and viewers who care for and support me. Today I confess a major mistake from my past that has remained as a heavy burden in a corner of my heart, and I sincerely ask for apology and forgiveness for it.
Drunk driving is my fault and mistake that cannot be excused for any reason. At the time I deeply regretted it and accepted legal punishment. Over the past few years I have reflected on myself while keeping a low profile. But recently, as I began to receive excessive attention, I felt that continuing activities while burying past mistakes would be a deception to and disrespectful toward those who trust me. I judged that it was my duty to confess and apologize for these facts with my own mouth before it was too late, so I posted this today
I sincerely apologize once again for disappointing you with my careless actions. I will govern myself and live so that I do not forget past mistakes and can be a cook who exerts a positive influence on society. I formally apologize once again to everyone who trusted me.
Jan. 18, 2026 Im Seong-keun
[Photos] Netflix, broadcast screenshot, SNS
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