Ultimately, the restaurant in Yeosu posted an apology... "It's still hard to call it a popular restaurant," ongoing public sentiment, will it show changes?
A restaurant in Yeosu, which garnered nationwide attention after being featured in the web entertainment show 'Ttoganjip,' has been embroiled in a controversy over rudeness. Following the controversy, the restaurant management published an official apology, but the public's response remains cold.
Recently, the restaurant posted the apology at its entrance. The apology reads: "We apologize for causing problems. In the future, we will provide kind and gentle service to our guests. We are sorry." However, some have pointed out that it is merely a formal apology.
The incident began when a travel YouTuber, identified only as A, revealed that she received rude service during her visit to the restaurant while traveling in Yeosu. The YouTuber shared the owner's remark, "It's not just one lady coming. If it's like this, it could go on indefinitely," leaving an emotional review, which quickly spread online, sparking public outrage.
The controversy intensified because this restaurant was introduced as the 'top popular restaurant' in an episode of the YouTube entertainment show 'Ttoganjip.' Subsequently, YouTuber A met with the show's host, who thanked her for courageously speaking out despite overwhelming attention. A emphasized that her review was not targeting any specific region or restaurant but rather was "a candid disclosure of a personal unpleasant experience."
As the situation escalated, the city of Yeosu also took administrative action. Lee Seok-joo, a member of the Yeosu City Council, posted on social media on the 17th, saying, "The city has conducted administrative guidance regarding restaurant service," and added that they would deliver a request for improved service to business owners and staff, and plan to conduct kindness training for the controversial establishment.
Meanwhile, the owner of the restaurant, identified only as B, expressed his grievances in an interview with Yeosu MBC, stating, "The YouTuber set up two cameras without my consent and didn't even eat, so I merely said I hoped she would eat quickly." He added, "I naturally have a loud voice," continuing comments that were more of a justification than a direct apology for the unpleasant service.
Ultimately, as public criticism intensified, the restaurant posted an apology, but public opinion remains icy. Reactions continue to echo that "it's still hard to call it a popular restaurant" and "this cannot end with a simple apology." There is growing interest in whether this apology will lead to actual service improvements. What is now needed is not a mere apology, but sincere changes to restore trust with customers.