Chef Lim Sung Geun has spoken out directly regarding the latest controversy.
Lim Sung Geun, who rose to the top of online buzz rankings thanks to his friendly personality and strong culinary skills on 'Culinary Class Wars 2,' has recently suspended all broadcast activities. The controversy began after he stated on his YouTube channel, Lim Sung Geun Limzzang TV, that he had driven under the influence three times over 10 years.
However, it was later revealed that Lim has a total of six prior convictions: four cases of drunk driving (in 1999, 2009, 2017, and 2020), one violation of the Road Traffic Act in 1998, and one case of mutual assault resulting in a fine of 300,000 KRW (approx. 204.87 USD). In 1999, he was detained for 37 days after riding a motorcycle owned by his wife while unlicensed. In the 2017 and 2020 cases, he reportedly called a designated driver, but following disputes, he either started the vehicle and fell asleep or drove approximately 200 meters before being caught.
In response, Lim Sung Geun sat down for an interview on the afternoon of the 21st at an office in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, to explain the controversies surrounding him.
“I have exactly six prior convictions, including drunk driving,” Lim stated. “Four are for drunk driving. One was for riding a motorcycle without a license, and the other was a mutual assault case where both parties were fined 300,000 KRW after grabbing each other during an argument.”
Reflecting on his past, Lim said, “This wasn’t a hit-and-run accident from 30 years ago. It was simply drunk driving, and I didn’t flee. In the 1990s, there weren’t many choices. I didn’t have a license, but I was running a 29-square-meter lunchbox shop and had to support two children and my mother. It was an unavoidable decision.”
He added, “Even now, if I were in that situation again, I think I would make the same choice for my family, even if it meant driving without a license. It was during the IMF crisis. Orders were piling up, and there was only one delivery worker. It wasn’t the right thing to do, but…” trailing off mid-sentence.
Lim continued, “Today, everyone knows drunk driving is absolutely unacceptable, but back then, I didn’t fully grasp how serious it was and did it several times. I am truly sorry. I want to atone in any way possible.”
Questions have also arisen over whether the production teams of 'Culinary Class Wars' were aware of his history. Lim Sung Geun said that he disclosed his most recent drunk driving record when appearing on Olive’s 'Korean Food Battle 3' (2015) as well as 'Culinary Class Wars 2,' insisting he had no intention of lying or minimizing the facts.
“I’ve appeared on three survival programs, and shows featuring non-celebrities investigate histories such as drunk driving,” he explained. “During 'Korean Food Battle,' I even had to draw pictures to test cognitive ability and submit them to psychiatry. Chefs use knives, so emotions can run high. Every time I applied to a program, I disclosed whether I had prior convictions.”
Regarding the latest incident, he said, “I submitted the recent record again this time. There are confidentiality agreements, so I have to be careful. I uploaded an apology video and called the PD to say, ‘The program is already finished, but I’m sorry for causing controversy.’ I also apologized to all the other chefs because I was worried they might be viewed negatively because of me.”
Lim Sung Geun grew emotional, shedding tears as he admitted he wanted to give everything up but felt compelled to take responsibility. “I was so overwhelmed that I wanted to run away,” he said, choking up. “But the moment I run, too many people would get hurt.”
He went on to explain, “I work as a model for small and medium-sized businesses. Ahead of the holidays, massive sums were invested in cattle farms to sell beef. If I don’t appear on home shopping programs, livestock farmers will suffer severe losses. The products would have to be discarded, and they would bear enormous financial damage. Please don’t curse others. Curse me. Even if you curse me, I have to continue home shopping.”
Beyond drunk driving, Lim also became embroiled in controversy over his tattoos, with some online rumors even labeling him a “gangster.”
In response, Lim said, “They’re just my personal symbol and don’t carry any particular meaning. I just wanted to look tough. I became a head chef at 19, and back then, the kitchen hierarchy was extremely strict. Being young, it was difficult to command authority. I got the tattoos in my 20s, after I was already married. I discussed it thoroughly with my wife and promised to get them in areas that wouldn’t show. Since short sleeves reveal some skin in the summer, we agreed it would help me lead the kitchen.”
Addressing why he deleted a past confession video, Lim said, “It was painful seeing people around me, including producers, being attacked.” He added, “All the arrows should be pointed at me. Please don’t curse the producers or my family. Curse me.”
He also expressed anguish over fake news targeting him. “Fake news is a serious crime. I’ve been holding back, but if false stories continue to spread just for views, I’m considering legal action. Clickbait thumbnails and misinformation have turned me into a tool. If anything happens to my family, I feel like I’ll completely lose control. Please, stop.”
As a result of the controversy, Lim has halted all broadcast activities. Footage for MBC TV’s 'Point of Omniscient Interfere' and the web variety show 'Salon Drip' has been discarded, while recordings for KBS2’s 'Fun-Staurant' and JTBC’s 'Knowing Bros' were canceled. Although filming for SBS TV’s 'Same Bed, Different Dreams 2' was completed, it is highly likely to be edited out or scrapped altogether.
Lim also revealed that he has refunded advertising PPL fees and is cautiously discussing compensation.
“I don’t feel regretful or disappointed at all about losing these appearances,” he said. “I didn’t join these shows to gain popularity. What’s unfortunate is how people are digging up decades-old incidents and pushing a witch-hunt. The core issue is drunk driving, but fake news about tattoos, gang connections, and abuse of power spread uncontrollably. If I were truly abusive or connected to gangs, I’d give everything up immediately. That’s absolutely not true. I’ve been scammed multiple times myself. I’m the type who likes giving to others. I’m not capable of abusing power.”
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