Chef Im Sung-geun Faces Backlash After Admitting to Multiple DUIs

Chef Lim Sung-geun, known for his role on 'Black and White Chef 2,' has recently come under fire after admitting to multiple past DUI offenses, prompting a wave of unfollowing on social media.

On January 18, Lim released a video titled 'Food and Alcohol' on his YouTube channel 'Lim Jjang TV,' where he confessed, "I made mistakes because I like drinking. I drove under the influence three times over the span of 10 years."

As the controversy intensified, Lim issued a handwritten apology, stating, "I want to confess a significant past mistake that has been a heavy burden on my heart and sincerely ask for forgiveness." He continued, "There is no excuse for my wrongdoing and mistake of drunk driving. I deeply regretted it at the time and accepted the legal consequences. I have spent the past few years reflecting on myself."

Despite Lim's apology, as of October 19, YouTuber Lim Rara, announcer Kim Soo-min, broadcaster Yoo Byung-jae, and chef Kim Poong continued to follow him. However, by October 20, singer Kim Jae-joong, who appears on KBS2's 'New Release, Pyeonstorang,' had unfollowed Lim.

Lim was initially scheduled to appear on 'New Release, Pyeonstorang,' but the production team decided to cancel his recording due to the seriousness of the situation. His appearance on JTBC's variety show 'Knowing Bros' was also canceled.

Meanwhile, Lim is set to open a 500-pyeong restaurant between February and March.

Reporter Da-yeon Jeong, Ten Asia light@tenasia.co.kr