Karla, a TikTok content creator known as @itskarlabb, went viral after posting a tearful video about her uncomfortable encounter with chef Luke Sung at Kis Cafe, a now-shuttered wine bar. The incident, which quickly gained traction online, has sparked a broader conversation about professionalism, social media influence, and public accountability.
Karla visited Kis Cafe as part of a potential collaboration, excited about promoting the newly opened restaurant. However, she claimed the interaction took a sharp turn when Chef Luke Sung expressed frustration over her relatively modest follower count at the time — about 15,000.
In her emotional TikTok posted on July 23, Karla said she left the cafe in tears, recounting how the chef allegedly questioned her qualifications, doubted her research on the restaurant, and even played her TikTok content at full volume in front of staff and patrons. She said he openly criticized her work, claiming her audience wasn’t the type of clientele he envisioned for Kis Cafe.
Within a few days of the incident, Kis Cafe released a statement confirming that Luke Sung was no longer affiliated with the business in any capacity. Soon after, a personal apology from the chef appeared on the restaurant’s Instagram page.
Because Sung does not have public social media accounts, the apology was posted on his behalf. In it, he took full accountability for the confrontation, calling his behavior “condescending, hurtful, and intimidating.” He directly apologized to Karla, acknowledging that no one should be made to feel unworthy or dismissed.
He also explained that he had chosen to leave the restaurant on his own terms before making his public statement, emphasizing that the remaining staff should not be judged based on his actions.
In his extended message, Sung expressed deep remorse not only toward Karla but also his employees, friends, and family. He said he was particularly saddened by the effect his actions may have had on his team — many of whom he had worked with for years — and stressed that they should not face repercussions for his personal behavior.
The chef also issued a heartfelt apology to his daughter, Isabelle, expressing shame that she had to deal with the fallout. He described his aspirations as a father, reflecting on the sacrifices he made to provide better opportunities for his children and expressing regret that his misstep could reflect poorly on them.
Karla’s original video has now surpassed 21 million views. Since sharing her story, her TikTok following has exploded, jumping from 15,000 to over 382,000. Her account has received widespread support, including praise from major internet personalities like Trisha Paytas and Alex Cooper.
In a follow-up post that’s also gone viral, Karla clarified that she didn’t name the restaurant or chef initially — but internet sleuths quickly pieced it together. The restaurant’s subsequent post reiterated that the chef’s conduct did not reflect the rest of the team and that he chose to step down voluntarily.
The episode has prompted online discussions around the pressure placed on influencers during collaborations, the importance of mutual respect, and how quickly public interactions can escalate in the digital age.
Chef Sung’s exit and apology, while extensive, are just one part of a broader story — one that raises ongoing questions about professionalism, representation, and accountability in both the restaurant industry and social media culture.
Leave a Comments