Chef Lim Seong-geun, a cast member on Netflix’s variety series Black and White Chef Season 2, has announced he’s suspending his on-air activities after renewed criticism over a past drunk-driving offense.
In a recent interview with Korean outlet Ilyo Shinmun (published January 21), Lim said he doesn’t believe it’s right to continue appearing on television given the public reaction. He framed the decision as a matter of responsibility to viewers—arguing that going on as if nothing happened would feel dishonest.
That said, Lim indicated he won’t be able to pause everything immediately. He reportedly plans to proceed with certain pre-signed home-shopping commitments, saying he doesn’t want small business partners connected to those projects to take financial damage because of his personal controversy. He also suggested his YouTube work will continue, explaining it began as a form of volunteer “talent donation.”
Lim also pushed back against accusations that he disclosed his DUI record only because media coverage was already closing in. According to him, a video where he spoke about the issue was posted because the production team had already scheduled the upload date—not because he was trying to get ahead of reporters.
Even while disputing that point, Lim reiterated that drunk driving is inexcusable and deserves heavy criticism. He added that he’s preparing a separate apology video.
