Yu Bibim of "Culinary Class Wars" admits to illegal operations, announces restaurant closure. Captured from his social media

Yu Bibim, 60, who gained popularity after appearing on the Netflix reality show "Culinary Class Wars," announced the closure of his restaurant, admitting to past illegal business practices.

Yu posted a lengthy handwritten letter on social media, Friday, expressing regret and confessing to previous wrongdoings. “With a heavy heart, I confess my past mistakes,” he began.

Yu shared that over the years he had tried various businesses, including fruit vending, street food stalls and a hair salon, all of which ended unsuccessfully. Since 2003, he had operated a restaurant without proper authorization, which eventually led to his arrest and a suspended sentence.

“Although I deeply reflected on my actions and closed the restaurant for a year, I later reopened it under my wife's name to bypass regulations and continued operating until recently,” he said.

He said that despite reaching out to public institutions and regulatory bodies to request support for legitimate operations, his efforts were unsuccessful.

Yu revealed the emotional toll this journey had taken on him and his wife, saying, “As a private individual suddenly under public scrutiny, we haven't had a moment's peace.”

Yu said, “With a heart of apology, I will open the restaurant space I've dedicated myself to for the past 20 years as a free venue for 'bibimbap' (mixed rice dish) exhibitions and performances for everyone.”

Yu explained that after gaining fame through "Culinary Class Wars," his current establishment faced numerous complaints about potential legal issues, along with warnings from the authorities.

He said that he will operate a fully licensed restaurant in Jeonju Hanok Village, North Jeolla Province.

Yu's legal issues date back to 2015, when he was sentenced to eight months in prison for violating food business laws, later reduced to probation on appeal. He had also received several fines for related violations over the years.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.