Chef Lim Sung Geun's TV appearances canceled after admitting three DUI offenses

Chef Lim Sung Geun, who recently revealed his past history of drunk driving offenses, has now had his appearance on MBC’s variety show 'Point of Omniscient Interfere' officially canceled.

On January 20, the production team of 'Point of Omniscient Interfere' told Ilgan Sports and other outlets, “We have decided not to air the episode featuring Lim Sung Geun,” adding, “We are currently coordinating how this week’s broadcast will proceed.”

Lim Sung Geun was scheduled to appear on the January 24 episode of 'Point of Omniscient Interfere,' and teaser clips had already been released. However, after Lim Sung Geun personally disclosed his past DUI record, controversy quickly followed. The production team ultimately decided to cancel the broadcast after taking viewer reactions into consideration.

Lim Sung Geun gained public recognition through Netflix’s cooking survival series 'Culinary Class Wars 2.' Following the show’s success, he received numerous invitations from variety programs and was in talks for multiple appearances. However, on January 18, Lim sparked backlash after revealing on his YouTube channel, “Over the span of 10 years, I was caught drunk driving three times,” adding that his driver’s license had been revoked due to criminal penalties before he later reacquired it.

In the aftermath, Lim posted a written apology on his personal channel, stating, “Continuing my activities while burying my past wrongdoings felt like deception and disrespect toward those who believe in me.” He continued, “I believed it was my responsibility to confess these facts in my own words and apologize before it was too late, which is why I am sharing this today.”

He added, “I will never forget my past mistakes and will discipline myself to live as a chef who can have a positive influence on society.”

As the controversy grew, broadcast cancellations followed across the industry. KBS2’s 'Stars’ Top Recipe at Fun-Staurant' and JTBC’s 'Knowing Bros' both canceled Lim’s appearances, while MBC’s 'Hangout with Yoo' halted plans at the discussion stage. Other programs that had already proceeded with casting or filming are also reportedly reviewing whether to move forward with his appearances.

Lim also addressed the circumstances of his DUI cases in a YouTube video, explaining that in some instances, he was caught after drinking and sleeping inside his vehicle. He emphasized, “I do not want to make excuses for what I did.” In his handwritten apology, he reiterated, “Drunk driving is a wrongdoing that cannot be justified under any circumstances,” once again bowing his head in remorse.