Chef Lim Seong-geun, who confessed to three past drunk driving incidents, is causing controversy by continuing his activities just a day after his confession by appearing on a live shopping broadcast. In particular, suspicions have arisen that he minimized the circumstances of his drunk driving during the confession process, and it has become evident that he confessed only after the investigation began, leading to increased criticism.
On the morning of the 19th, Lim Seong-geun appeared live on Shopping N.T. to sell braised short ribs, just a day after confessing in a handwritten apology regarding his three drunk driving incidents. During the broadcast, he seemed to be promoting the product with a bright expression, seemingly unaware of the controversy, while the co-hosts praised him as the hottest chef these days and continued with the sales.
However, suspicions have been raised that Lim Seong-geun's confession was not purely voluntary, marking a new phase in the controversy. According to a report by the Sunday Newspaper, when the media began investigating Lim Seong-geun's drunk driving history, he promised to meet and explain, but just before the meeting, he uploaded a confession video on his YouTube channel. Despite the confession being under duress, it was staged to appear as if he had mustered the courage to confess on his own.
The explanation of the circumstances during the drunk driving incident has also been embroiled in controversy over false explanations. Lim Seong-geun claimed he was simply caught sleeping in his car, but it is known that he was caught driving under the influence with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.141% while driving for about 200 meters in a state of intoxication in 2020. He has been confirmed as a habitual offender, having already been punished for drunk driving in 2009 and 2017.
Due to this controversy, the broadcasting programs Lim Seong-geun was scheduled to appear on are in a state of emergency. MBC's "All-Seeing Companion" and JTBC's "Knowing Brothers" have recognized the issue and are taking measures. In particular, major terrestrial broadcasters such as KBS and MBC have applied strict regulations on habitual drunk drivers, leading to decisions for permanent expulsion, making Lim Seong-geun's future broadcasting activities virtually uncertain.
As Lim Seong-geun, who has received public love while hiding his habitual drunk driving history, faces allegations of false explanations, viewer disappointment and calls for his expulsion are expected to intensify.
