Chef Lee Ha-sung, who appeared on Netflix's cooking entertainment show "Culinary Class Wars 2" with the nickname Culinary Monster, apologized to viewers, saying his words and actions during the competition were somewhat excessive.
On the 14th, the chef said in a video released on Netflix's YouTube channel, "I'm preparing to open a restaurant in New York right now, so I couldn't meet you in person and am greeting you through an interview video."
He went on to share an update, saying, "The construction is in its final stage." Culinary Monster laughed, saying, "There are quite a few people who recognize me. When I walk down the street, some ask to take a photo, and friends I couldn't reach when I was young are getting in touch."
Regarding entering "Culinary Class Wars 2," he said, "It was a time when work wasn't going well, but Chef Kim Tae-sung, who appeared in season 1 and is a close friend, recommended it, saying, 'I hope it becomes a chance for you to gain confidence,' so I went on the show."
Before his one-on-one showdown with Chef Song Hoon on Culinary Class Wars 2, he said, "I've heard I'm better than Chef Song Hoon. I came on to see if that was true," drawing criticism as rude.
In response, the chef said, "I had to be chosen by Chef Song Hoon, so I spoke strongly. Right after, I said, 'I spoke a bit harshly,' and he smiled and said, 'Good job. Let's make it fun,' and let it go."
He said, "While filming 'Culinary Class Wars 2,' I was desperate and earnest," adding, "I had been fortunate to work at good restaurants. I thought I could open a restaurant without major difficulties, but that wasn't the case."
He continued, "I thought that if I didn't achieve good results in this shoot either, everything I had done so far could come to nothing, so my words and actions seem to have come across strongly."
He then apologized, saying, "I think that caused discomfort to many people," and "I acted that way on my own, but it felt like I was causing trouble for the production staff who worked hard on the program, and I'm sorry for causing discomfort to the viewers."
The chef added, "I will be a chef remembered for cooking in the kitchen," and "If you come to New York, I would be grateful if you would come dine with us."