[Dispatch=Reporter Tae-yun Jung] Chef An Seong-jae, who operates the fine dining restaurant "Mosu Seoul," has issued an official apology regarding the wine switch controversy at his establishment.

On the 6th, Chef An Seong-jae posted on Instagram: "I sincerely apologize once again for disappointing our guests with inadequate service that occurred recently at our establishment, Mosu. I also deeply apologize to the customers in question."

On the 18th of last month when the incident occurred, An Seong-jae reviewed internal CCTV footage of staff movements and service methods. While acknowledging his responsibility, he clarified aspects that differed from what was reported.

He went on to state: "There were 4 guests at that table, and out of 2 options available in the wine pairing, one guest ordered 7 glasses and 3 guests ordered 4 glasses each. The wines paired with the Korean beef course were different for each."

An acknowledged that the sommelier served a 2005 vintage wine instead of a 2000 vintage. "The employee in question recognized the incorrect serving, but before properly informing the customer, showed them the 2000 vintage wine that differed from what was actually served," he admitted to insufficient service response.

According to An, the 2000 vintage was stored in the wine space on the second floor backside for pairing purposes on that day. The 2005 vintage was also kept in the same space to be available for order. Because the two bottles were placed side by side, the sommelier mistakenly served the 2005 vintage first.

He stated: "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 dish was served. With the issue unresolved, the customer themselves raised the wine problem."

He continued: "At that point, the sommelier should have explained the situation and apologized, but flustered, made an inappropriate response by hastily stating something entirely different from the fact—that '2000 vintage wine was ordered by the bottle and was on the first floor'—rather than owning up to the mistake."

The sommelier then served the 2000 vintage wine again. However, during that process, without sufficiently recognizing the seriousness of the situation, made a statement to the effect of "I wish you could compare the 2000 and 2005 vintages because of my mistake."

An said: "This too should have been preceded by an 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 the problem was not recognized during the service, that cannot be an excuse," he said. "This is not meant as an excuse, but to clear up misunderstandings that differ from the basic facts," he disclosed.

The sommelier in question submitted a statement. He was also removed from the sommelier position handling customer wines. As owner chef, An promised: "I will manage thoroughly and do my best to ensure such incidents do not recur."

Finally, he added: "Taking this incident as an opportunity, I will not forget the essence of a restaurant and the right attitude of those in the food service business, maintain my original resolve with genuine care toward food and customers, and proceed with humility."

Previously, visitor A claimed that when visiting Mosu Seoul with acquaintances, a 2005 vintage wine was served instead of a 2000 vintage during the wine pairing process. The two wines are known to have a price difference of over 100,000 won.

When A requested confirmation, the sommelier acknowledged the error but responded in a manner suggesting generosity, saying "I will let you taste that wine as well," which escalated the controversy.

<Photo source=An Seong-jae SNS capture>