Three months after the web entertainment program 'Ttoganjip', which has gained recognition for its authenticity while introducing local restaurants, successfully overcame the controversy surrounding the manipulation of its Anyang episode, it is now facing another controversy regarding rudeness in its Yeosu episode. Given that the Anyang episode was re-shot after being edited, future responses are under scrutiny.
Earlier, the YouTuber Pungja and the production team behind 'Ttoganjip' found themselves embroiled in a controversy regarding 'fairness' after it was revealed that a restaurant introduced through citizen recommendations after the airing of the Anyang episode in April was actually run by a family member of the recommender. Pungja confirmed multiple times during the interview that "restaurants run by acquaintances or family members should not be recommended," but the grants denied this, later admitting and apologizing through comments.
The controversy quickly spread, and the production team promptly deleted the video, which had recorded 900,000 views. They later uploaded a new video with the problematic scenes edited out and issued an apology, with Pungja also hinting at a re-shoot by stating, "I will return to Anyang soon" through her personal channel. Viewers expressed support, stating phrases such as "a difficult choice, but a true professional" and "operating without advertisements makes it more trustworthy," as they urged, "Let's reach 1 million views as a true local gem."
'Ttoganjip' was recovering and being re-evaluated due to its responsible response, but this time, a new controversy erupted in its Yeosu episode, just about three months later. A travel YouTuber revealed that they received rude treatment when visiting a famous restaurant in Yeosu alone. Despite ordering for two, they claimed to have felt unwelcome when the staff told them to "hurry up and eat and leave" after 20 minutes, which sparked controversy.
The problem lies in the fact that this restaurant is one that has already been introduced as a local gem through 'Ttoganjip'. Since it became popular through Pungja's content, it ironically has faced controversy regarding kindness and service. Consequently, netizens expressed concern, commenting, "Pungja must be upset again," "This time, it's Yeosu that is the problem," and "Pungja is not at fault, but the program may suffer."
As the controversy spread, the Yeosu city government acted immediately. On the 17th, Councilman Lee Seok-joo stated through social media that "Yeosu City is aware of the controversy and has sent a notice requesting improvements in service responses from local restaurants." He emphasized the importance of the attitude and quality of service from restaurants for attracting tourists and revitalizing the local economy, underscoring the need to refrain from loud responses, prohibit limits on one-person guests, provide sufficient explanations about ingredients and prices, and ensure freedom in meal times.
The city has directly visited the restaurant in question to assess the situation and has announced plans for staff kindness training. They have expressed their commitment to ensure that the catchphrase "a Yeosu you want to revisit" does not remain mere words, but leads to practical changes on an administrative level.
Meanwhile, the production team of 'Ttoganjip' has yet to release an official statement regarding the Yeosu episode controversy. However, viewers who remember the quick and responsible response during the Anyang incident are expecting a similar attitude this time.
'Ttoganjip' has maintained steady popularity for over three years, based on real recommendations from local citizens, with Pungja's honest food reviews and chatter intertwining. Whether the trust they have maintained, undeterred by the manipulation controversy, can carry them through this Yeosu controversy remains to be seen.
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