Chef Lim Seong-geun confessed to a history of drunk driving and posted a handwritten apology. On January 18, Lim Seong-geun wrote on his SNS, beginning with, "First, I bow my head and offer my deepest apologies to the many fans and viewers who care for and support me." He expressed sincere remorse for his past mistakes and sought forgiveness.

Lim Seong-geun stated, "Drunk driving is my fault and mistake that cannot be excused for any reason," expressing deep regret for his past actions and noting that he had received legal punishment. He added that he had spent the past few years reflecting on himself while keeping a low profile. However, he explained that recently receiving excessive love made him feel that hiding his past mistakes and continuing his activities would be a betrayal and disrespect to his fans.

He said, "I judged that it was my duty to confess and apologize for this fact with my own mouth before it was too late, so I am posting this today." Lim Seong-geun emphasized, "I sincerely apologize once again for disappointing you with my careless behavior," and vowed to become a chef who can have a positive influence on society without forgetting his past mistakes.

On the same day, Lim Seong-geun also confessed to his drunk driving history on his YouTube channel 'Lim Seong-geun LimJjang TV.' He revealed, "Over the course of 10 years, I drove under the influence about three times." He explained the circumstances when he was caught for drunk driving in the past, saying, "I was caught by the police while sleeping in the car after drinking." He recalled the police asking, "Why are you sitting in the driver's seat with the engine on?" and reflected on his mistake at that time.

Lim Seong-geun also explained the reason for disclosing his drunk driving past. He said, "At that time, I wanted to hide it all, but if things happen later, many people get hurt," and stated that he does not want to evade responsibility, acknowledging that what he did was wrong. He added, "I was criminally punished, my license was canceled, and I got my license again."

Lim Seong-geun also addressed allegations of school violence. He said, "Some people said, 'LimJjang has a wild personality, so isn't he involved in school violence?' But I did not attend school, so there is no school violence controversy." He explained that he left home in the third year of middle school to work, was caught and entered high school, but left again immediately, so he had no time to engage in school violence.

After Lim Seong-geun's confession and apology announcement regarding drunk driving, public reactions were mixed. Some netizens applauded his courage, while others expressed disappointment. Some criticized him by referring to his statements in his YouTube videos and recent activities.

Lim Seong-geun gained attention by winning tvN's 'Korean Food War 3' in 2015 and gained explosive popularity by appearing on the Netflix original variety show 'Black and White Chef: Cooking Class War Season 2.' However, this drunk driving confession is expected to damage his image.

Lim Seong-geun sincerely apologized to his fans and made a vow about his future path. He emphasized, "I will live by disciplining myself to become a chef who can have a positive influence on society." Regardless of the reactions from fans and the public, Lim Seong-geun expressed his determination to acknowledge his past and move forward.