[Mediment News Reporter Jeong Won-wook] Famous culinary researcher Chef Im Seong-geun bowed his head to the public as he confessed to his past drunk driving history on three occasions.
On the 18th, Im Seong-geun explained the background of his confession in a handwritten apology posted on his personal social media, stating that he felt it was a deception and disrespect to those who believe in him to continue his activities while burying his past mistakes after receiving much love recently.
He continued that he judged it was his duty to confess the truth and apologize directly before it was too late, and he sincerely apologized for disappointing others with his careless actions. He also vowed to manage himself to become a chef who can have a positive influence on society without forgetting his past mistakes.
Earlier, on the same day, Im Seong-geun admitted in a video uploaded to his YouTube channel Im Seong-geun Im Jjang TV that he made mistakes because he liked drinking, confessing that he had driven under the influence about three times over a span of ten years. He added that he has been very cautious about alcohol for the past 5 to 6 years.
This self-confession, which emerged while he is gaining attention again through cooking-related content and broadcasts, has sparked various reactions among netizens. There are mixed voices regarding his attitude of confessing and apologizing for his past mistakes, alongside criticism of his history.
Chef Im Seong-geun is expected to carefully decide on the direction of his future activities with the meaning of self-reflection and repentance starting from this apology.
Full Text of Im Seong-geun's SNS Post
Hello, this is Im Seong-geun.
First of all, I bow my head and offer my sincere apologies to the many fans and viewers who cherish and support me. Today, I want to confess a significant mistake from my past that has remained a heavy burden in my heart and sincerely ask for forgiveness.
Drunk driving is a mistake that cannot be excused for any reason.
At that time, I deeply regretted it and accepted the legal punishment, and I have spent the past few years reflecting on myself. However, recently, as I have received excessive love, I felt that continuing my activities while burying my past mistakes is a deception and disrespect to those who believe in me.
Before it was too late, I judged it was my duty to confess this fact and apologize, which is why I am posting this today.
I sincerely apologize once again for disappointing you with my careless actions. I will live managing myself to become a chef who can have a positive influence on society without forgetting my past mistakes.
Once again, I sincerely apologize to everyone who believed in me.
January 18, 2026, Im Seong-geun.
I apologize for my messy handwriting.
