Mosu Seoul Apologizes: What Went Wrong with Their 2000 Vintage Wine Controversy?

[TV Daily Reporter Choi Ha-na] Chef Ahn Seong-jae’s fine-dining restaurant, Mosu Seoul, has finally broken its silence after a controversy over a mistakenly served premium wine surfaced online.

On the 23rd, Mosu issued a public statement expressing a sincere apology for the issue that had been raised on online communities.

The restaurant acknowledged that during the wine-pairing service on the 19th, customers were not given accurate information, and the subsequent responses lacked sufficient explanation. They said they understand this caused disappointment and offered a heartfelt apology.

Mosu added that staff reached out to apologize directly to the affected customer immediately after the incident, but the team recognizes that their follow-up was not adequate given the expectations customers and the public have for the restaurant.

The entire Mosu team, including Chef Ahn Seong-jae, said they are taking the matter seriously. They pledged to review all service procedures and take steps to prevent a recurrence, emphasizing that they aim to rebuild lost trust through genuine actions rather than performative gestures.

The issue came to light after an online diner identified only as “A” posted a review saying a wine that should have been a 2000 vintage was served as a 2005 vintage during a visit to Mosu Seoul on the 21st.

According to A, the restaurant admitted the mistake but attempted to smooth things over by offering a taste of the intended 2000 vintage, which only fueled the controversy. The price difference between the two bottles is roughly 100,000원 (approximately $75).

Many people voiced frustration over the service lapse at a luxury dining experience: a dinner course with wine pairings can cost over 1,000,000원 (approximately $750) for two.

[TV Daily Reporter Choi Ha-na news@tvdaily.co.kr/photo=DB]