"Chef Lim Seong-geun, step down from TV"... Fans outraged over third DUI license revocation say he "must take time for self-reflection"

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[The Financial News] Korean cuisine master Chef Lim Seong-geun, who appeared on Netflix’s "Culinary Class Wars Season 2" and rose to No. 1 in buzz rankings, has come under growing criticism after revealing that his driver’s license was revoked following three separate drunk-driving offenses in the past. The online fandom of Culinary Class Wars has called on him to take time for self-reflection, including suspending his television appearances.
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On the 19th, a statement titled "We urge strict accountability following Chef Lim Seong-geun’s admission of repeated drunk driving" was posted on the online community "Culinary Class Wars Season 2 Gallery."
Chef Lim Seong-geun recently gained broad public recognition, being nicknamed "Lim-jjang" through "Culinary Class Wars Season 2." The controversy erupted after he posted an apology on his YouTube channel on the 18th, confessing his past drunk-driving record. In a video uploaded the same day, he also disclosed that he had driven under the influence three times over the past 10 years.
The statement argued, "Drunk driving is not a simple ‘mistake’ but a serious illegal act that threatens the life, physical safety, and property of others," adding, "Through the legislative debate over the so-called ‘Yoon Chang-ho Act’ and subsequent legal revisions, punishment for drunk driving and public awareness of its dangers have been significantly strengthened. If the drunk-driving record is true, it is only natural that the public would find it difficult to accept."
It continued, "The drunk-driving records of public officials and celebrities have consistently been the subject of criticism. Given that Chef Lim Seong-geun is a figure with considerable public influence, treating three instances of drunk driving with an attitude of ‘he apologized, so let’s move on’ would not align with social norms or safety standards."
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The statement also called on Chef Lim Seong-geun to take time for self-reflection.
It demanded, "With regard to all scheduled broadcasts, events, advertisements, and other external activities, he should immediately announce his voluntary withdrawal and intention to take time for self-reflection, and go beyond a simple apology by presenting concrete measures to prevent recurrence."
The statement went on, "He must present a verifiable implementation plan, such as a standing principle to use designated drivers or public transportation to prevent driving after drinking, operational guidelines for alcohol-related content, and disclosure of his daily routines," adding, "Rather than relying on emotional appeals such as calling it a ‘big mistake,’ he must fulfill his responsibility in a way that aligns with social safety standards."
The statement also urged broadcasters, production staff, platforms, and advertisers to respond more strictly when casting guests.
It argued that "instead of pushing ahead with appearances, responsible measures such as postponing broadcasts or editing him out should be considered," and added that "advertising and content exposure should also be reviewed once again."
The statement further drew a line, saying, "We will not make arbitrary assumptions about matters where the facts have not been fully established," while taking a hard-line stance: "When it comes to issues of life and safety, standards must not be relaxed simply because someone is a ‘celebrity’ or has ‘apologized.’"
It concluded, "We strongly urge Chef Lim Seong-geun, as well as the relevant authorities, production staff, and platforms, to at least meet the minimum conditions for restoring social trust by taking responsible action, even at this point."
y27k@fnnews.com Seo Yoon-kyung Reporter