Chef Im Seong-keun, known for his appearance on Netflix’s “Culinary Class Wars 2,” has returned to social media with a new YouTube video featuring a recipe for Buldak ramen. This marks his first public-facing content since stepping back from television following revelations about his past drunk driving offenses.
The video, released on February 18, 2026, titled “Prepared because you might feel heavy after eating Lunar New Year food,” offers a simple meal idea, seemingly geared towards those seeking a lighter option after the indulgences of the Lunar New Year. The return to YouTube signals a shift in Im’s public strategy, focusing on recipe sharing and potentially rebuilding his image outside of traditional broadcasting. This comes after a period of significant controversy and a self-imposed hiatus from television appearances.
DUI Revelations and Television Departure
Im Seong-keun’s career faced a major setback in January 2026 when he admitted to multiple past driving under the influence (DUI) offenses. Initially, he confessed to the incidents on his YouTube channel on January 16, 2026, prompting widespread public criticism. He subsequently announced an indefinite halt to his television career, withdrawing from all programs on major broadcasting networks and streaming services, according to reports from The Korea Times.
In an interview with Seoul-based media outlet Ilyo, Im expressed remorse, stating, “I have no excuses. This proves entirely my fault.” He explained that he had been caught driving under the influence on three separate occasions, attributing some incidents to disputes with designated drivers. He claimed in one instance, a designated driver abandoned him on the shoulder of the road after an argument, leading him to drive the vehicle and subsequently be apprehended. A similar explanation was offered for a 2020 incident, involving a disagreement over fare with a driver.
Balancing a Return to Content Creation with Existing Commitments
Despite stepping away from mainstream television, Im indicated a desire to honor existing contractual obligations. He plans to continue fulfilling commitments to a TV shopping network to avoid financial harm to partner businesses. Yet, his primary focus appears to be on his YouTube channel, “Imjjang TV,” which he intends to use as a platform for “talent donation” by providing recipes to small business owners, as reported by The Chosun Ilbo.
This new YouTube venture represents a strategic pivot for the chef, allowing him to connect directly with an audience although navigating the fallout from his past actions. The Buldak ramen recipe video is the first step in this new direction, offering a glimpse into his culinary approach and a potential path forward in the creator economy.
“Culinary Class Wars” and Im Seong-keun’s Rise to Prominence
Im Seong-keun gained significant recognition as a contestant on “Culinary Class Wars 2,” a popular Korean cooking competition available on Netflix. The display features both established Michelin-star chefs and rising culinary talents, as detailed by Preview.ph. His skills and innovative dishes quickly made him a standout competitor, contributing to the show’s success. During the competition, as highlighted by Soap Central, Im Seong-keun emphasized the importance of versatility in the kitchen, stating that a chef “can’t just make one dish.”
The DUI controversy brought an abrupt conclude to his television career, but his return to YouTube suggests a determination to continue sharing his culinary expertise, albeit on his own terms.
As Im Seong-keun navigates this new chapter, it remains to be seen how his audience will respond and whether he can successfully rebuild his public image through his YouTube content. His focus on providing recipes for small business owners could prove to be a key element in this process, demonstrating a commitment to giving back to the culinary community. The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining the long-term impact of his return to the public sphere.
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