'Culinary Class War 2' contestant apologizes for 3 DUI offenses

▲ This photo of Lim Sung-geun, a Korean cuisine master chef who appeared on Netflix’s variety show "Culinary Class War 2," is screenshot from his Youtube video post. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Jan. 19 (Yonhap) -- Lim Sung-geun, a Korean cuisine master chef who appeared on Netflix’s variety show "Culinary Class War 2," has revealed that his driver’s license was revoked after three incidents of drunk driving in the past, offering a public apology.

In a video titled "Food and Drinking," posted on his YouTube channel on Saturday, Lim said, “Because I like drinking, I made mistakes. Over about 10 years, I committed drunk driving about three times.”

“Ten years ago, I was caught sleeping in a car with the engine running while intoxicated, and the most recent incident was five or six years ago,” he said. “At the time, I received criminal punishment and had my license revoked, and later obtained it again.”

He added, “What I did wrong is wrong. I don’t want to make excuses,” saying that the recent surge of public attention weighed heavily on him. “As an overwhelming amount of love came my way, I felt burdened. I wanted to unburden what was in my heart. I ask for your generous forgiveness.”

▲ This letter of apology by Lim Sung-geun, a Korean cuisine master chef who appeared on Netflix’s variety show "Culinary Class War 2," is screenshot from his Youtube video post. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

After releasing the video, Lim posted a handwritten apology on his YouTube community page, again expressing remorse.

“Drunk driving is my fault and a mistake that cannot be justified for any reason,” he wrote. “As I recently began receiving excessive love and support, I felt that continuing my activities while burying my past wrongdoings would be deceitful and disrespectful to those who trust me.”

“I sincerely apologize for disappointing you through my careless actions,” he added. “I will not forget my past mistakes and will discipline myself to become a chef who can have a positive influence on society.”

Lim, who holds a national Korean cuisine master chef certification, rose to prominence after winning tvN’s "Korean Food Grand Prix 3" in 2015. He gained renewed popularity by placing in the final seven on the recently aired "Culinary Class War 2" and has since appeared on programs such as "You Quiz on the Block."

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