A large cafe in Jeju that became famous as an "celebrity cafe" is accused of illegally using as much as 1,800 pyeong of state-owned land. The cafe owner drew a line regarding his relationship with singer Baekga (Koyote), saying he is "completely unrelated."
On the 7th, cafe owner A told OSEN, "I have nothing to do with Baekga. He's being repeatedly linked and it's being exaggerated," and "I'm cautious but to be clear, right now a police investigation should come first," he said.
The controversy surfaced in a KBS report on the 6th. According to the report, it was confirmed that a large cafe in Seogwipo that gained great popularity three years ago as a cafe known to be run by a celebrity illegally appropriated state-owned land of about 6,000 square meters (roughly 1,800 pyeong).
The cafe covers about 5,000 pyeong and is set up with pleasant walking paths, swings, a grass garden, a large parking lot and amenities, making it a "hot place" for tourists. However, Seogwipo recently confirmed allegations of illegal mountain area damage and formally asked the local autonomous police to investigate.
According to the KBS report, A explained, "I learned belatedly that it constituted illegal mountain area appropriation and tried to improve it, but could not proceed due to financial circumstances." Also, celebrity B, who was listed as a co-representative, said, "My contract ended in April this year, so I am not involved in the cafe's operation now," and "I only handled part of the interior at the time and am not related to the land issue."
Regarding this, A said, "The changes to the shape within the site are our fault. There are some unfair aspects, but the police investigation should come first," expressing a cautious stance.
When rumors about a relationship with Baekga spread, A emphasized, "I currently have no connection with Baekga. To be clear once again, this matter is unrelated to him."
Baekga is a member of the group Koyote, active with Kim Jong-min and Shin Ji, and has also worked as a photographer and businessman. He is registered as an interior contractor and had partially participated in the interior-related contract for the cafe in the past. However, his contract ended earlier this year, and he is reported to have no involvement with the operation since then.
Meanwhile, Seogwipo plans to order restoration to the original state for the land the cafe used without permission, depending on the police investigation results.
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]