Im Seong-geun, who gained mainstream fame through the Netflix cooking survival show Culinary Class War 2, issued an additional explanation after a late-breaking controversy over allegedly downplaying his criminal record. He acknowledged a total of six offenses, including multiple DUIs, while pleading with the public to stop directing hatred at his family, who he says are suffering even more.
On the 21st, speaking to multiple media outlets, Im disclosed previously unknown details of his past criminal history. "I had four DUIs in total, and I was once caught riding a motorcycle without a license. There was also an incident where a drinking argument turned into a mutual assault, for which I paid a 300,000 won fine," he said. Earlier, on his YouTube channel, Im had said, "I had three DUIs over 10 years," prompting accusations that he was minimizing the truth.
Im explained that he misspoke because he was relying on memory and couldn't recall the exact number of incidents. He also rejected claims that he "confessed first to avoid reporters." "The video was already filmed on the 12th. Media requests only came in on the 17th, the day before it was released," he said, adding, "If I had intended to hide it, I wouldn't have filmed it so sloppily."
As the controversy grew after his DUI admission and criticism spread to family members who had appeared on his social media, Im broke down in tears and begged people to protect at least his family. "The crimes I committed are mine to bear. But seeing hate comments pour onto my wife, and even curses on a video of my 4-year-old granddaughter, makes it hard to breathe," he said. "I only posted my granddaughter's photo because she's cute."
Amid the uproar, Im announced he will suspend all broadcast activities. "Unless I have no shame, how could I show my face at a station again? I will not do any programs going forward, including terrestrial, cable, and OTT," he declared. He noted, however, that due to existing contracts he will make only the minimum required appearances on home shopping during the contract period, and that he will continue preparing to run his restaurant in Paju.
He also said he will not shut down his YouTube channel, explaining, "From the beginning, it was a pro bono effort to share recipes for small business owners."
After leading Culinary Class War 2 and appearing on You Quiz on the Block, Im seemed to be entering a second heyday, but this scandal has effectively pushed him out of the broadcasting world. "Past mistakes are a burden I must carry for life," he said in repeated apologies.