Chef Ahn Sung Jae's Mosu Seoul restaurant faces another controversy

Chef Ahn Sung Jae’s Mosu Seoul restaurant is facing another controversy following the wine switch issue. This time, the restaurant is under fire for a 70-million KRW (approx. 46,500 USD) valet parking damage dispute.

According to an exclusive report by TV Chosun on May 20, a customer identified as Mr. A suffered major damage to his vehicle while visiting Mosu Seoul on December 4 last year during the valet parking process.

The report stated that the valet driver lost control while driving down a snow-covered alleyway. The vehicle reportedly slipped, crashed into a wall, and spun about half a turn before coming to a stop. Since Mosu Seoul does not operate its own parking lot, customers arriving by car have reportedly relied on valet parking services.

Immediately after the accident, representatives from Mosu Seoul reportedly promised to handle the matter, while the valet parking company paid 20 million KRW (approx. 13,354 USD) to a repair shop for vehicle repairs. However, as the total repair estimate eventually climbed to around 70 million KRW, compensation negotiations became prolonged.

Vehicle Still Unreturned Three Months After Repairs Completed

Although the repairs have already been completed, Mr. A has reportedly been unable to retrieve the vehicle for more than three months because the remaining repair costs have not been paid. From the time of the accident, the customer has allegedly endured nearly six months of inconvenience without access to the car.

According to phone call recordings released by TV Chosun, a Mosu Seoul representative told Mr. A, “We are deeply sorry as well, but there doesn’t seem to be anything more we can do,” adding that “it may be a better option to legally sue Mosu.”

Mr. A expressed disappointment and confusion, stating that he entrusted the vehicle to Mosu Seoul, not directly to the valet parking company.

Mosu Seoul told TV Chosun that, in principle, the valet parking company bears responsibility for the accident. However, the restaurant added that it would continue discussions with the company to ensure the customer receives reasonable compensation.

Another Controversy Following Wine Swap Allegations

This is not the first controversy surrounding Mosu Seoul. Chef Ahn Sung Jae recently faced criticism over alleged “wine swapping” claims at the restaurant. The controversy grew after accusations surfaced suggesting that the wine served to a customer differed from the wine originally ordered.

Following the allegations, Ahn stated social media, apologizing for the disappointing service provided at the restaurant. He also expressed sincere apologies directly to the customer involved.

However, criticism intensified again when a new video was uploaded to his YouTube channel later the same day as the apology. On May 13, the production team behind the YouTube channel “Chef Ahn Sung Jae” announced through the community page that the channel would temporarily undergo reorganization to reassess its direction and overall operations while preparing content more carefully.

After gaining widespread public recognition through the Netflix variety show 'Culinary Class Wars,' Ahn Sung Jae and Mosu Seoul are once again facing intense scrutiny following the valet parking dispute, on top of the earlier wine controversy.