A Michelin-starred restaurant owner in Seoul is reportedly facing criminal penalties after authorities alleged that ants were served to diners as part of the menu. Reports say the case could bring up to a year in jail and a fine of about $13,510.
The allegations focus on ants placed on top of sorbets at the South Korean restaurant. According to the report, the total number of ants involved was nearly 50,000, making the case unusually large and drawing attention well beyond the local dining scene.
Court documents cited in the report did not identify the proprietor by name. The legal dispute has put a spotlight on how unconventional ingredients are handled in high-end dining and whether their use complies with South Korean rules.
Because the restaurant holds a Michelin star, the case has attracted added scrutiny. For now, the central issue is whether serving ants in this way broke the law, with the owner now facing the possibility of both a fine and jail time if convicted.
