'Culinary Class Wars 2' Im Seong-keun apologized after confessing that he drove under the influence three times over 10 years and later opened up about his feelings.
Im Seong-keun posted a handwritten apology on social media on the 18th to state his position. He said, "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 grave mistake from my past that remained as a heavy burden in a corner of my heart and sincerely ask for apology and forgiveness," he said.
He added, "Drunk driving is my wrongdoing and mistake that cannot be excused for any reason. At the time I deeply regretted it and accepted legal punishment. I spent the past few years in self-reflection. But recently, as I received excessive attention, I felt that carrying on my activities while burying past mistakes would be deceitful to and disrespectful of those who trusted me. I judged that before it became too late, it was my duty to confess these facts with my own mouth and apologize, so I posted this today," he said.
Im Seong-keun, who said, "I sincerely apologize once again for disappointing you with my careless actions," apologized, saying, "I will not forget past mistakes and will discipline myself to become a chef who can have a positive influence on society. I formally apologize once again to everyone who trusted me."
Afterward, netizens expressed disappointment toward Im Seong-keun and some cheered him on. To a fan who said they were distraught, he said, "I am very sorry, but it feels like I have put down the heavy burden in my heart. The truth is the drunk driving six years ago was not something to boast about and it was a simple drunk driving incident without causing an accident, so if I had thought that way I would not have done an apology broadcast. I apologize for revealing all these facts and ask for forgiveness," he said.
To a fan who said they felt bitter, he said, "I never wanted to become famous overnight; I just try to live without dressing myself up and be as I am. Thank you."
To a netizen who cheered him on, he promised, "Thank you very much for your kind words. I do not want to live hiding what is not true. I am sorry for making this public even though it is not something to boast about. I promise to show you a better side in the future. Also, although it may be trivial, I promise to donate my skills where they are needed and live happily. Thank you."
He also said, "Although it was simple drunk driving, no matter how much time passes or whether others do not know, past mistakes do not disappear. My heart changes. I always had a heavy heart. I am sorry and thank you. I wish you good health."
To a fan who said they were heartbroken, he apologized, "It is all my fault. Even if it is something that has passed, I think one who must be scolded should be scolded. I am very sorry for causing concern." He also said, "Please scold me a lot. I am sorry."
Earlier, Im Seong-keun revealed in a video titled "Food and drinking" on his YouTube channel 'Imjjang TV' on the 18th that he had driven under the influence in the past. He said he only turned on the engine and slept, but according to a report by Ilgan Sports on the 19th, Im Seong-keun was found to have driven the vehicle himself in the most recent drunk driving incident.
According to the ruling document confirmed by Ilgan Sports, on Jan. 15, 2020, at around 6:15 a.m., Im Seong-keun was driving himself while intoxicated for about 200 meters on a street in Guro District, Seoul, toward another road when he was caught in a drunk driving crackdown. At the time, his blood alcohol concentration was 0.141 percent, reportedly a state of severe intoxication exceeding the level for license cancellation.
[photo] Netflix, video capture
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