Triple Star, the chef who rose to fame through Netflix’s hit cooking competition “Culinary Class Wars,” has officially been cleared of the embezzlement allegations that had shadowed his career for nearly a year.
On October 20, Triple Star (real name Kang Seung-won) took to Instagram to share the outcome of the case, revealing that the Gangnam Police Department had issued a “no suspicion” decision in September. The prosecution later upheld the same conclusion, fully closing the case. The accusations had been filed by his ex-wife, who claimed that he had diverted restaurant funds for personal use.
In his post, the chef explained that while he had secured digital evidence through phone forensics to prove his innocence, he initially chose silence. “I didn’t want to harm my ex-wife’s new life by publicly addressing personal matters,” he wrote. “But as groundless and malicious rumors kept spreading online, I realized I needed to respond through legal means.”
Triple Star expressed gratitude to those who continued to visit and support his restaurant despite the controversy. He also reflected on how the experience reshaped his outlook, saying he plans to “grow into a more mature and responsible chef.”
The chef became a public figure after finishing third on “Culinary Class Wars,” where his creativity and calm professionalism in high-pressure kitchen challenges earned him a strong fan following. However, his rapid rise was soon overshadowed by personal controversies in late 2024, including his ex-wife’s accusations of embezzlement and lobbying for a Michelin restaurant position.
After months of investigation, authorities confirmed there was no evidence supporting any of the allegations. With the case officially closed, Triple Star has turned his focus back to his culinary career—this time determined to protect his reputation and move forward on his own terms.
