Chef Im Sung-geun's DUI Admission Sparks Fallout: TV Bookings Canceled Across Networks

Im Sung-geun, the breakout chef from Netflix’s "Culinary Class Wars" Season 2, is facing swift industry blowback after publicly admitting to past DUI offenses.

On January 19, entertainment insiders said Im had been in talks to appear on MBC’s "Hangout with Yoo," but discussions were halted during scheduling. Following the public outcry over his DUI history, the production is understood to have scrapped plans for his appearance altogether.

KBS2’s "Stars’ Top Recipe at Fun-Staurant" also canceled a planned taping after Im’s confession, with producers citing alignment with viewer sentiment and the show’s overall tone. Meanwhile, MBC’s "The Manager"―on which Im has already completed filming―is weighing whether to air his episode, and JTBC’s "Knowing Bros" has not finalized any booking or shoot dates.

Im rose quickly to fame as a skilled contender on "Culinary Class Wars" Season 2, but his future on television is now uncertain amid the growing controversy.

On January 18, he posted a video on his YouTube channel, revealing three prior DUI offenses. He said the most recent incident happened five to six years ago and acknowledged he faced criminal penalties and a license revocation. In a handwritten apology, he added, “There’s no excuse for drunk driving,” but calls for a period of self-reflection continue to mount. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)