[26.01.21] Lim Sung-geun Suspends Broadcasting Amid Drunk Driving Record Controversy

Chef Lim Sung-geun Halts All Broadcast Activities Amid Drunk Driving Record Controversy

📍‘Culinary Class Wars 2’ Star Faces Growing Scrutiny as Additional Convictions Emerge

Chef Lim Sung-geun, who gained public attention through Netflix’s reality show Culinary Class Wars 2, has announced a complete suspension of his broadcast activities amid mounting controversy over his past drunk driving convictions.

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🔹 Official Announcement of Broadcast Suspension
On the 21st, a representative for Lim told Yonhap News, “Chef Lim has decided to halt all broadcasting activities.” The decision reportedly reflects concerns that continued appearances would be difficult amid the expanding controversy.

🔹 Additional Drunk Driving Convictions Revealed
Lim previously admitted on his YouTube channel that he had been punished three times for drunk driving. However, further review of court rulings later revealed additional offenses, intensifying public criticism.

According to court records, Lim was indicted in August 1999 for riding a motorcycle while intoxicated for approximately three kilometers from Bupyeong District to Seo District in Incheon. In September of that year, the Incheon District Court fined him five million won. Reports indicate that he was also detained in connection with the incident.

In addition, Lim was sentenced in March 1998 to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, along with a fine of 300,000 won for violating the Road Traffic Act.

🔹 Total of Six Criminal Records
Lim’s side later disclosed an additional conviction related to a mutual assault case, bringing his total criminal record to six offenses.

His representatives stated that the incidents occurred nearly 30 years ago, adding that Lim did not intentionally conceal or minimize his criminal history due to incomplete recollection.

🔹 Netflix: “Only One 2020 Case Was Confirmed”
Lim said in a media interview that he had disclosed his drunk driving record to Netflix in advance. He explained that during the pre-casting questionnaire, he listed “a drunk driving offense in 2020” as his most recent incident.

Netflix responded by stating, “During the casting and verification process, the production team confirmed one drunk driving case from 2020.” The company added that it had not been informed of or able to verify additional criminal records in advance, and issued an apology to viewers while pledging to strengthen vetting procedures.

🔹 Broadcast Appearances Likely to Be Affected
Lim Sung-geun, a nationally certified master Korean cuisine chef, rose to prominence after winning tvN’s Korean Food Grand Master 3 in 2015. He recently gained renewed popularity by placing in the final seven on Culinary Class Wars 2.

However, following the controversy, his scheduled appearances and future broadcast activities are expected to face significant disruption.

One-line summary : Chef Lim Sung-geun has decided to suspend all broadcast activities amid growing controversy over his past drunk driving convictions.