[Dispatch=Reporter Tae-Yun Jung] Chef Ahn Sung-jae, who operates the fine dining restaurant 'Mosu Seoul,' issued an official apology regarding a wine substitution controversy.
Chef Ahn Sung-jae stated on Instagram on the 6th, "I sincerely apologize once again for disappointing you with inadequate service that occurred at my establishment, Mosu. I deeply apologize to the customers in question."
On the 18th of last month when the incident occurred, he reviewed internal CCTV footage regarding staff movements and service methods. While acknowledging his responsibility, he clarified aspects that differed from the facts.
He said, "There were four guests at the table, and among the two options available in the wine pairing, one person ordered seven glasses and three people ordered four glasses each. The wines paired with the Korean beef course were different for each."
During this process, he acknowledged that the sommelier served a 2005 vintage wine instead of a 2000 vintage. "The staff member recognized the incorrect serving. However, without properly informing the customer of this, we showed them a 2000 vintage wine that differed from the wine actually served," he explained.
According to Ahn Sung-jae, the 2000 vintage was stored in the second-floor backside wine area for pairing that day. The 2005 vintage was also available for order in the same space. Because the two bottles were placed side by side, the sommelier mistakenly served the 2005 vintage first.
He said, "When the customer requested to take a photo, the sommelier then brought out the 2000 vintage bottle. After that, I stepped away to inform the sub-manager of the situation, and during that time the Korean beef course was served. The customer raised the wine issue directly while the problem remained unresolved."
He continued, "The sommelier should have explained the situation and apologized at that point. However, flustered, he said something completely different from the facts—that the 2000 vintage wine was ordered by the bottle and was downstairs. This was an inappropriate response."
The sommelier then served the 2000 vintage wine again. However, during that process, without fully grasping the severity of the situation, he made a comment to the effect of 'I hope you were able to compare the 2000 and 2005 vintages because of my mistake.'
Ahn Sung-jae said, "This too should have been preceded by accurate explanation of the situation and a sincere apology. The apology was insufficient, and that remark was also inappropriate," bowing his head.
He received a report on the matter three days later, on the 21st of last month. "Of course, even if we were unaware of the problem at that time, it cannot be an excuse," he said, adding, "This is not to make excuses but to at least correct misunderstandings that differ from the facts."
The sommelier in question submitted a statement. He has been removed from the sommelier position handling customer wine service. Ahn Sung-jae promised, "As owner-chef, I will manage thoroughly and take every precaution to ensure such incidents do not recur."
Finally, he added, "Taking this incident as an opportunity, I will not forget the essence of the restaurant and the proper attitude as someone in the food service industry, and I will maintain my original commitment with humility, keeping my sincere heart toward food and customers."
Previously, visitor A claimed that after visiting Mosu Seoul with acquaintances, a 2005 vintage wine was served instead of a 2000 vintage during the wine pairing process. The two wines reportedly have a price difference of over 100,000 won.
When A requested confirmation, the sommelier acknowledged the wrong serving but responded as if doing them a favor, saying "I hope you can also taste this wine," which escalated the controversy.
<Photo Source: Screen Capture of Ahn Sung-jae SNS>
