Chef Im Sung-geun, a star of Netflix’s culinary show “Culinary Class Wars Season 2,” has found himself at the center of heated discussions that extend far beyond his professional skills. Following his admission of drunk driving on January 18, 2026, public attention shifted to his appearance, specifically the massive tattoos adorning the chef’s forearms. In South Korean society, where attitudes towards body art remain ambiguous, the choice of Irezumi style has sparked a flurry of questions and speculation from the online community.
Events unfolded rapidly on January 19, when Im Sung-geun posted an extensive apology on his social media. In the comments under the post, users directly asked the chef about the origin and meaning of his tattoos, which are clearly visible when he works in short-sleeved attire. Many recognized the classic features of the Japanese Irezumi style, historically associated with closed communities and a certain social status. However, Im’s answer was surprisingly simple and devoid of hidden meanings: “Lately, tattoos just seem really cool to me. It’s a form of self-expression. I just wanted to try it out, like young people do nowadays.”
Irezumi in Modern Korea: Aesthetics vs. Prejudice
For tattoo industry experts, Im Sung-geun’s case is a telling example of the global transformation in tattoo perception. The Irezumi style, characterized by large-scale compositions, dense coloring, and the use of traditional Eastern motifs (dragons, carp, flowers), was long considered taboo in South Korea. Traditionally, such body art was linked to the criminal underworld, and its display on television is still often censored—tattoos are either covered with bandages or digitally blurred on screen.
Nevertheless, the chef’s words about wanting to “be like the young people” highlight a significant cultural shift. Today, in Seoul and other metropolises, tattoos are ceasing to be a stigma and are becoming an element of high fashion and personal style. The fact that a person of mature age and high professional status chooses such a bold style speaks to the gradual democratization of tattoo culture. However, in the context of Im’s personal scandal, his tattoos became an additional trigger for criticism from the conservative segment of society, linking his “aggressive” visual image to his transgression.
Consequences and Public Reaction
Despite the chef’s attempts to sincerely apologize to the audience for past mistakes, including the drunk driving incident, the entertainment industry reacted harshly. The public confession, made on a YouTube channel on January 18, led to the immediate cancellation of several television projects. The table below lists the programs that have withdrawn their collaboration with the culinary star:
| TV Channel / Platform | Program Title | Participation Status |
|---|---|---|
| BMC | Omniscient Interfering View | Segment completely cut from broadcast |
| KBS 2TV | Stars’ Top Recipe at Fun-Staurant | Participation annulled |
| JTBC | Knowing Bros | Filming and broadcasts canceled |
In his address, Im Sung-geun noted that any societal reaction is important to him. “I feel calmer because you are criticizing me and worrying about me. Indifference would be a much bigger problem,” he stated, bowing his head once again in repentance. For the tattoo community, this incident has become another reason for discussion about how much a public figure’s appearance should align with their reputation and social expectations.
Expert Analysis: Why is the Choice of Irezumi Style So Important?
From a tattoo journalism perspective, Im Sung-geun’s choice of Irezumi is not just following a trend. It’s a choice of a powerful visual language that requires a certain boldness, especially in South Korea, where tattoo artists still operate in a legally uncertain zone. The fact that he didn’t invent a complex philosophy for his designs but honestly admitted their aesthetic appeal (“it looks cool”) makes his position close to the modern understanding of tattooing as decorative art.
However, the combination of the “harsh” Irezumi style and an administrative offense has created an image in the eyes of Korean producers that the mass audience of state channels is not yet ready to accept. This highlights the existing gap between the progressive tattoo scene and conservative broadcasting standards. Im Sung-geun’s story is a reminder that in a world where the lines between personal self-expression and public image are blurring, every image on the skin continues to be read by society as part of a personal story, whether we like it or not.