An Sungjae, who is well-known as a judge on Netflix's "Black & White Chef," has issued an official apology regarding the recent wine swap controversy at his fine dining restaurant, Mosu Seoul.

Mosu Seoul released a statement through its official social media account, saying, "We sincerely bow our heads in apology regarding the recent matter." Mosu Seoul explained, "On April 19, during our wine pairing service, we failed to provide accurate information to our guest, which caused confusion, and we also fell short in offering a sufficient explanation during the subsequent response. We sincerely apologize for the disappointment we caused."

Owner-chef Seongjae Ahn of 'Mosoo Seoul'. Official Instagram of Mosoo Seoul

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The statement continued, "We have since issued a separate apology to the guest, and although it was generously accepted, we accept with great responsibility that the process was not adequate considering the expectations placed on our restaurant." The message added, "Chef An Sungjae and the entire Mosu team are taking this matter very seriously. We will review all related services and promise to prevent any recurrence. We will not let this end as a mere show of apology, but will sincerely work to rebuild trust with our customers."

Previously, a post alleging a wine swap at Mosu Seoul appeared online, sparking controversy. According to the post, the guest had originally ordered a 2000 vintage wine valued at around 800,000 KRW to be paired with Korean beef, but the sommelier mistakenly served a 2005 vintage wine, which was 100,000 KRW less expensive. The author also claimed that the sommelier pretended to have served the 2000 vintage, even though the 2005 bottle was brought out.

Chef An Seongjae's restaurant Mosu's 'Wine Switching' controversy was recreated as an AI 4-panel comic.

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Mosoo Seoul store. Official Instagram of Mosoo Seoul

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Vintage years and prices of wines are listed on the menu. The photo is not directly related to the wines provided. Screenshot from Mosu homepage.

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The author further explained, "After being served the 2005 vintage wine, I asked to take a photo of the bottle. The sommelier said, 'Just a moment,' went to the staff area, and then placed a 2000 vintage bottle on the table." The author then asked the sommelier for clarification about the situation. In response, the sommelier stated, "The 2000 vintage bottle was on the first floor," and commented, "I'll let you taste that one as well," as if doing a favor.

The author thinks that since they brought and placed a 2000 vintage bottle when asked to take a photo of the bottle, they must have known from the moment of serving.
Photo by Getty Images Bank

The author questioned whether such a mistake by the sommelier could really happen at a Michelin two-star restaurant, adding, "Saying, 'I'll let you taste it,' is baffling. There was no apology at all that day. The response and handling were very disappointing."

Mosu Seoul, which first opened in 2017, was awarded the country's only Michelin Guide three-star rating in 2023 but closed due to a relocation issue. The restaurant reopened in Itaewon, Seoul, in March last year, and after just one year, regained a two-star rating in March of this year, returning to the Michelin Guide. Dinner at this restaurant is priced at approximately 420,000 KRW per person.

The dinner price at Michelin Guide's 'Mosoo Seoul' is approximately 420,000 KRW per person. Mosoo Seoul Official Instagram

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