The controversy over drunk driving involving chef Im Seong-keun, who gained attention for appearing on the Netflix variety show Culinary Class Wars 2, continues, and it has been confirmed that public opinion is clearly divided rather than focused on one side.
Recently on Nate Pann, a poll titled "Culinary Class Wars 2 Im Seong-keun admits past drunk driving...what do you think?" drew attention. The poll is being conducted from Jan. 19 to Feb. 16, 2026, and the interim results are as follows: "He should be given a chance": 36% (373 people) and "He should refrain from public activity": 64% (675 people).
More than half of respondents said "he should refrain from public activity," showing that public opinion toward Im Seong-keun remains cold.
Analysts say the poll result is not simply a question of "did he apologize," but that repetition, trust and timing are the key issues.
On the 18th, Im Seong-keun directly confessed to past drunk driving and apologized on his YouTube channel Imjjang TV. He said, "I drove under the influence about three times over 10 years," and "I thought it was right to speak up and apologize directly rather than hide it."
However, subsequent reports revealed that he had actually been caught for drunk driving four times, and with additional road traffic law violations his record amounted to five offenses, raising controversy over the accuracy of his confession. In the process, suspicions were raised such as "did he confess before the report because reporting had started?" and "did he downplay the facts?"
These circumstances are interpreted as the background for the poll's dominance of the view that "he should refrain from public activity." While the repeated history of drunk driving itself is a problem, the perception that the trust relationship with the public has been damaged played a major role.
On the other hand, respondents who said "he should be given a chance" cited reasons such as the fact that he has already faced legal punishment, that he publicly apologized and even announced a second apology broadcast, and that he promised measures to prevent recurrence, arguing that rather than complete expulsion they should wait and see a period of self-reflection.
Public opinion's conclusion is still "in progress." The situation surrounding Im Seong-keun is expanding beyond a simple pros-and-cons framework into questions such as "what are the standards for forgiveness?" and "how far does a public figure's responsibility extend?"
As the poll results show, the public is not making a final judgment based on a single apology. Whether Im Seong-keun's promised second apology and additional explanations, and whether specific measures to prevent recurrence can be presented, seem likely to be the key variables that will influence future public opinion.
After the controversy, cancellations of appearances on variety shows and home shopping have continued, and fan communities have issued statements demanding suspension of activities. At the center of this, the Nate Pann poll clearly signals that public sentiment has not yet turned away.<
[Photo] "Culinary Class Wars 2"
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