South Korean Michelin-starred chef faces jail over illegal ant dessert

South Korean prosecutors are seeking a one‑year prison term and a fine of 20 million won from the owner of a Michelin‑starred restaurant for using ants in a dessert. The insects, imported from the United States and Thailand, are not among the ten insect species permitted for food in South Korea, making their use illegal.

The case came to light after the restaurant appeared on a Netflix show and customers posted photos online, prompting food‑safety inspectors to investigate. Authorities allege the chef served more than 12,200 ant‑topped dishes, generating about 120 million won in revenue and using roughly 40,000 ants. The owner acknowledges using the ants but disputes the figures, saying only about 60 % of diners chose the ant option and that the insects were a minor part of the menu. Under South Korean law, businesses must obtain temporary approval to use unapproved insects, which the restaurant did not obtain.