Chef Ahn Sung-jae surfaces with warm smile amid Michelin wine-swap probe

Chef Ahn Sung-jae of two-Michelin-starred Mosu Seoul appeared in good spirits in a recent Instagram post by actress Kang Min-ji, who dined at the restaurant's kitchen on 9 August. "Taste and art intertwined in a memorable evening at Mosu Seoul's kitchen with Chef Ahn," Kang wrote alongside a photo of the chef displaying what observers noted as his characteristic warm expression.

The appearance comes as Michelin's French headquarters has launched a formal investigation into allegations that a Mosu Seoul sommelier substituted a lower-cost wine without the diner's knowledge. According to reports, a guest ordered a 2000 vintage wine but received a 2005 vintage worth approximately 100,000 won less. When the diner raised the issue, the sommelier's response—offering to show them the 2000 vintage instead of apologizing—drew further criticism. Mosu Seoul's subsequent apology statement, perceived as defensive rather than contrite, triggered additional complaints from other patrons.

In May, Ahn acknowledged the incident and said the sommelier in question had been reassigned away from wine service duties. Michelin confirmed in July that it had shared the allegations with its quality review team and would examine the matter carefully. Ahn remains known for his work as a judge on Netflix's cooking competition series "Culinary Class Wars" alongside restaurateur Paik Jong-won.