Controversies Surround Cast Members Following Series Finale
Bibim Daewang, Hansik Master, Triple Star, and Others in Hot Water
Since the conclusion of the Netflix cooking survival program ‘Heukbaek Yori-sa: Yori Gyegup Jeonjaeng’ (Black and White Chef: Cooking Class War) on the 8th of last month, controversies surrounding some of the participants have continued.
Yu Bibim (60), who gained attention as the ‘Bibim King,’ recently confessed to illegal business operations and announced plans to close his restaurant. On the 1st, Yu revealed through his social media that “I have tried various businesses such as fruit vending, street stalls, and hair salons but kept failing. Since 2003, I operated a restaurant without proper permits, was arrested, and received a suspended sentence.”
Previously, Yu was prosecuted for illegal business operations (violation of the Food Business Act) for setting up cooking equipment without reporting to the district office, and was sentenced to eight months in prison in 2015, which was later reduced to a suspended sentence on appeal. He had also been fined multiple times for violating related laws. After closing his business for a year, he registered the business under his wife’s name and has been running the current restaurant through this loophole. Yu added, “I fully understand that breaking the law cannot be justified for any reason.”
Lee Youngsook (69), known as a ‘master of Korean cuisine,’ has been embroiled in a debt controversy involving around 100 million won. Creditor A stated that before his father passed away in April 2010, he lent 100 million won to Lee and issued an IOU, but has not been repaid for 14 years.
Accordingly, on the 1st, the Nonsan Branch of Daejeon District Court accepted A’s application for seizure and collection orders on Lee’s appearance fees claimed from the production company of ‘Heukbaek Yori-sa.’ Lee is reported to have committed fraudulent acts by transferring real estate assets such as land to family members to reduce her property without repaying the debt. Lee’s side stated regarding the debt default controversy, “We are currently verifying the matter through lawyers and will fulfill repayment responsibilities if there is any remaining debt.”
Kang Seungwon (33) of ‘Triple Star’ became embroiled in controversy after his private life was revealed. Last month, entertainment media Dispatch reported a letter of apology Kang wrote to his ex-wife. In the letter, Kang admitted to infidelity and a history of relationships with multiple women. There were also claims that during his studies in the U.S., Kang gave luxury bags to officials to secure employment at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Additionally, allegations arose that Kang embezzled company funds from his restaurant ‘Trid.’
The Gangnam Police Station in Seoul has received a report of Kang’s alleged embezzlement through the National Police Agency’s online complaint system and has begun an internal investigation.
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