[26.01.19] Chef Lim Sung-geun Cancels Home Shopping Appearances After DUI Admission

Chef Lim Sung-geun Appears on Home Shopping Amid DUI Admission Controversy, Later Cancels All Scheduled Shows

📍‘Culinary Class Wars 2’ contestant faces growing backlash as broadcasters and retailers distance themselves

Chef Lim Sung-geun, who gained public attention as a “White Spoon” contestant on Netflix’s “Culinary Class Wars 2,” appeared on a home shopping broadcast despite controversy surrounding his admission of three past drunk driving offenses, before ultimately canceling all remaining scheduled appearances. The fallout has since spread across the broadcasting and retail industries.

Despite controversy over Chef Lim Seong-geun's three prior drunk driving convictions, his scheduled home shopping broadcast aired as planned.

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🔹 Home shopping appearance one day after controversy
On the morning of the 19th, Lim appeared for approximately one hour on the data home shopping channel Shopping N-T, promoting a product titled “Boneless Braised Short Ribs with a Fine Difference.”

During the broadcast, Lim actively promoted the product bearing his name and did not address the drunk driving controversy that had emerged the previous day.

🔹 All remaining home shopping schedules canceled
As criticism intensified, all remaining home shopping appearances were canceled.
According to OSEN, Lim decided not to proceed with four additional scheduled broadcasts on the afternoon of the 19th and the morning of the 20th.

He had been scheduled to appear on live broadcasts selling kimchi, domestic LA short ribs, ox knee soup, and additional meat products, but all were ultimately canceled.

🔹 Home shopping channel cites contractual limitations
Shopping N-T released an official statement explaining that the broadcast had been unavoidable.

The company stated that the programs were pre-recorded and that contracts are finalized at least three days in advance, making unilateral cancellation potentially subject to penalties under Fair Trade Commission and Korea Communications Commission regulations.

They also emphasized that Lim was hired as a model and that canceling the broadcast would have directly harmed small business partner companies.

🔹 Admission of three DUI offenses via YouTube
On the 18th, Lim admitted through his YouTube channel “Imzzang TV” that he had been caught three times for drunk driving in the past.

He stated, “I believed it was right to tell everything and apologize. Hiding it would only cause more concern,” adding that the sudden surge of public affection made him want to clear his conscience.

🔹 Handwritten apology and acknowledgment of punishment
As criticism grew, Lim posted a handwritten apology, stating that drunk driving was an inexcusable mistake and that he had received legal punishment at the time.

He explained that continuing activities without acknowledging past wrongdoing would be disrespectful to those who supported him.

🔹 Mixed public reaction
Public reactions were divided. 

Some praised his honesty, while others criticized the timing and manner of the disclosure, questioning the appropriateness of alcohol-related imagery and promotions.

🔹 Broadcast appearances canceled across networks
Following the controversy, major broadcasters canceled Lim’s appearances on programs such as “Knowing Bros,” “Stars’ Top Recipe at Fun-Staurant,” and “How Do You Play?” 
A previously recorded episode of “The Manager” remains under review.

🔹 Future activities uncertain
Lim Sung-geun, a nationally certified master chef and winner of “Korean Food Grand Master 3,” rose sharply in popularity after “Culinary Class Wars 2.” However, the DUI admission controversy is expected to significantly affect his future activities across media and commerce.

One-line summary : Chef Lim Sung-geun completed a home shopping broadcast amid DUI controversy before canceling all future appearances, as backlash spread across the industry.