"Broadcasting Halted, Social Media Resumed": Chef Im Seonggeun Begins Comeback a Month After Controversy

Forced off air after controversy over six prior drunk-driving convictions
"I will never do it again": vows to prevent any recurrence
Resumes activities with a declaration to return to his main job

Chef Im Seonggeun, who gained great popularity after appearing on the Netflix variety show Black & White Chefs 2, resumed his activities centered on YouTube and social media after suspending his broadcasting work amid controversy over a past drunk-driving record.

On the 24th, Im Seonggeun recently uploaded a series of cooking videos on his YouTube channel, "Im Seonggeun Imzzang TV," including recipes for stews and dumpling soup using leftover jeon from the Lunar New Year holidays. By responding to comments and communicating directly with fans, he fired the signal flare for his return. In particular, he reportedly replied to one comment by saying, "It will not happen again in the future," expressing his determination to prevent any recurrence of drunk driving.

Chef Im Seonggeun, who gained great popularity after appearing on the Netflix variety show Black and White Chef 2, resumed activities mainly on YouTube and social media after suspending his broadcasting work amid controversy over a past drunk driving record. Im Seonggeun Instagram

Im Seonggeun’s social media activity is also drawing attention. On the 23rd, he shared to his Instagram story a photo posted by Chef Yoon Nara of Sulbijneun Yoonjumo, who appeared with him on Black-and-White Chef 2. The photo showed him together with chefs such as Hudeokjuk and Choi Kangrok. This is his first public online interaction in about a month since the controversy.

Im Seonggeun first became known to the public as the winner of the Olive TV Korean cuisine competition program Korean Food Battle 3. He then significantly boosted his public recognition by making it into the TOP 7 on Black & White Chefs 2. With his uniquely down-to-earth image and skills, he was evaluated as a "rediscovered Korean cuisine chef." However, in January, he confessed via YouTube that he had been caught drunk driving in the past, and the situation changed dramatically. Contrary to his initial confession, additional prior offenses came to light, and when it became known that he had a total of six convictions, public opinion rapidly worsened.

Some raised suspicions that he had downplayed the number of his prior offenses, and criticized him for issuing a "preemptive apology" as soon as media outlets began investigating. The controversy quickly spread throughout the broadcasting industry. It was reported that his segments were edited out or his appearances were canceled from major variety shows where he had been scheduled to appear, including Knowing Bros, New Release Pyeonstorang, and You Quiz on the Block. His broadcasting activities were effectively halted across the board.

On the 23rd, Chef Yoon Nara of "Sulbitneun Yunjumo", who appeared together on "Heukbaek Yorisa 2", shared a photo she had posted to her Instagram story. Sulbitneun Yunjumo Instagram

As the backlash intensified, Im Seonggeun bowed his head and announced that he would suspend all broadcasting activities. He said, "I will accept any criticism," but pleaded, "Please stop directing insults at my family." He acknowledged his personal wrongdoing, but maintained that it was unfair for his family to become targets of condemnation. However, he took a different stance regarding his YouTube activities. He expressed his intention to continue, explaining that running the channel was not merely for profit, but had the nature of "donating his talent" by sharing recipes for struggling small business owners and self-employed people. This was interpreted as a strategy to respond differently to broadcasting and online platforms.

Lastly, Im Seonggeun directly revealed through social media that he is currently preparing to open a restaurant. On the 13th, just before the Lunar New Year holidays, he said, "I am currently spending my time preparing to open a restaurant, which is my main line of work," and added, "Once all preparations are complete, I will do my utmost so that you can visit without any burden and enjoy a warm meal."