Chef Im Seong-keun, who gained great popularity through the Netflix variety show Culinary Class Wars: Culinary Class Wars 2, has confessed to a past drunk-driving conviction, and allegations have spread that the confession was made after media inquiries began.
On the 19th, the Sunday Newspaper reported that Chef Im Seong-keun was caught in a drunk-driving checkpoint after driving a vehicle in a state of heavy intoxication on a road in Guro District, Seoul, at about 6:15 a.m. on Jan. 15, 2020. At the time, Im's blood alcohol concentration was 0.141%, a level well above the license cancellation threshold, and he was reportedly sentenced in July of the same year to one year in prison with a two-year suspension, ordered to perform 80 hours of community service and to complete 40 hours of safe driving lectures.
According to the report, Chef Im Seong-keun has prior records of being caught for drunk driving in 2009 and 2017 as well, confirming a total of three drunk-driving incidents. However, in the earlier two cases it was not confirmed whether he actually drove, while the 2020 case is known to be an instance where he was caught while actually driving under the influence.
The controversy grew over the timing of Im's "voluntary confession." The outlet said it requested fact-checking from Im Seong-keun's side about the 2020 drunk-driving incident on the 17th, and Im reportedly responded that he would "meet in person on the 20th to explain." However, the next evening on the 18th, Im Seong-keun released a video on his YouTube channel "ImJjang TV" in which he personally confessed to the drunk-driving conviction.
In the video, Im Seong-keun said, "Over the past 10 years I drove drunk about three times," and explained, "There was a case where I fell asleep in the car after drinking and was caught by the police. I later learned that the engine must be turned off." He added, "A mistake is a mistake. I do not want to evade responsibility," acknowledging criminal punishment and license cancellation, and he posted a handwritten apology.
Some netizens raised their voices of criticism, saying "Drunk driving is an unforgivable crime," while others offered defense, saying "He can be evaluated for admitting his mistake and apologizing himself." However, as circumstances emerged that the confession video was released after media inquiries began, allegations arose that it was a "preemptive response" rather than "sincere remorse," shaking even the supportive public opinion.
The broadcasting industry is also watching the situation closely. Programs that Im Seong-keun is appearing on or was scheduled to appear on, such as Omniscient Interfering View, Hangout With Yoo, and Men on a Mission, said they were "discussing" and took a tentative stance on his appearance and editing.
With the serious record of three drunk-driving incidents and even the sincerity of the confession in doubt, attention is focused on whether Im Seong-keun can regain the public's trust.<
[Photo] 'SNS'
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