Chef Triple Star (34, real name Kang Seung-won), who gained great love as the 'Black and White Chef', has been cleared of embezzlement allegations related to restaurant funds after about a year.
According to the police on the 19th, the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul determined there was no evidence of embezzlement against Triple Star and decided not to prosecute last month.
The Gangnam Police began an investigation after receiving a request from an internet user regarding claims made by his ex-wife that Triple Star had embezzled some of the restaurant funds he was operating, which was reported through the National Petition.
Triple Star appeared on the popular Netflix variety show 'Black and White Chef' aired in September last year, where he finished in third place. He temporarily suspended his activities in the competition after the allegations were raised.
On the same day, Triple Star stated on social media, "Around this time last year, when I was receiving overwhelming love, the results of the embezzlement allegations filed by my ex-wife have come out," and added, "In September, I was notified of the decision not to prosecute (no evidence) from the Gangnam Police Station, and recently the prosecution confirmed the decision of no evidence."
He continued, "I have secured evidence that can refute the claims through mobile phone forensics, but I have remained silent on various unfounded speculations that are not true. The rebuttal would inevitably contain personal details about my ex-wife, and I did not want to affect her new life."
He emphasized, "However, I will respond to malicious posts based on baseless rumors on the internet through legal procedures."
Additionally, he expressed, "Lastly, I sincerely thank everyone who has visited and supported the restaurant over the past year," and stated, "Based on the support and love I received through 'Black and White Chef', as well as the lessons learned from the long legal battle over the past year, I will do my best to become a better chef."
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
