[Breaking News] Chef Ahn Sung-jae's Seoul fine dining 'Moosu' apologizes for 'wine swap' controversy: "Promise to prevent recurrence" [Full Statement]

*This content was translated by AI.

Moosu Seoul, a fine dining restaurant operated by Chef Ahn Sung-jae, has finally apologized regarding allegations of wine swapping.

Moosu Seoul issued an official statement on the 23rd, addressing the wine swap allegations.

Moosu Seoul stated, "We sincerely apologize for the confusion caused by the lack of accurate guidance during the wine pairing service on April 19, 2026, and for failing to provide sufficient explanation during the subsequent response process, which led to significant disappointment. We also sincerely apologize for not providing a separate apology to the customer immediately after the incident occurred, even though the customer graciously accepted it. However, considering the expectations placed on our restaurant, we recognize that this process was insufficient and are taking it seriously."

The statement continued, "Chef Ahn Sung-jae and all members of our Moosu team are taking this matter very seriously. We are reviewing all related services and promise to prevent recurrence. We will not stop at a perfunctory apology but will rebuild trust with our customers with a sincere attitude."

The wine swap controversy surrounding Moosu Seoul originated from a recent post on an online cafe. The poster, identified as A, claimed that a problem occurred during the wine pairing process after visiting Moosu Seoul with acquaintances.

According to A, the group ordered the 2000 vintage of "Château Léoville Barton," but the sommelier served a 2005 vintage instead. The bottle on the table was labeled as the 2000 vintage, and the price difference between the two vintages was approximately 100,000 won.

When A requested the bottle to take a photo for personal records, the sommelier brought the 2000 vintage bottle instead of the 2005 one. A explained, "Previously, all wines that were served were immediately placed on the table, but in this service, strangely, the staff said 'just a moment,' moved to the staff area, and then returned to the table to place the bottle."

A added, "It turned out to be the 2000 vintage bottle. In other words, the bottle was the 2000 vintage, but the wine glass contained the 2005 vintage wine. At first, neither I nor my companions knew. However, after smelling and tasting the wine and checking the wine pairing list, we realized that the 2000 vintage should have been served."

When A requested verification afterward, the sommelier admitted the truth, stating, "The 2000 bottle had been ordered continuously. The bottle was downstairs on the first floor. We will let you taste the 2000 vintage Bordeaux in the glass."

Moosu Seoul is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant operated by Ahn Sung-jae, who appeared as a judge on the Netflix series "Black and White Chef."

Hello, this is Moosu Seoul.

Regarding the matter recently revealed through an online community, we bow our heads and offer our sincere apologies.

We sincerely apologize for the confusion caused by the lack of accurate guidance during the wine pairing service on April 19, 2026, and for failing to provide sufficient explanation during the subsequent response process, which led to significant disappointment.

We conveyed a separate apology to the customer after the incident occurred, and the customer graciously accepted it. However, considering the expectations placed on our restaurant, we recognize that this process was insufficient and are taking it seriously.

Chef Ahn Sung-jae and all members of our Moosu team are taking this matter very seriously. We are reviewing all related services and promise to prevent recurrence. We will not stop at a perfunctory apology but will rebuild trust with our customers with a sincere attitude.

We offer our apologies once again to all customers who continue to place their trust and affection in Moosu Seoul.

April 23, 2026

On behalf of Moosu Seoul

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*This content was translated by AI.