Actor Jeon Won-ju's anecdote about ordering one drink for three people at a cafe has been revealed, sparking heated debate online. His lifestyle, long hailed as an icon of frugality, was treated as variety-show humor but collided with the realities of small-business environments and turned into a controversy. In particular, with past anecdotes that he spent as much as 5 million won on personal skin treatments, reactions say they cannot understand ordering one drink for three people at a cafe.
Earlier, on the 24th the YouTube channel Jeon Won-ju-in-gong featured footage of Jeon Won-ju visiting Namdaemun Market. He showed largesse by readily paying for his daughter-in-law and staff's meals, but later at a cafe he ordered one latte and shared it. A scene showing the daughter-in-law bringing paper cups in advance was added, naturally revealing the "one order for three people" habit.
Jeon Won-ju emphasized that he had lived frugally enough in the past to receive thrift and savings awards. He added that he collects and reuses tissue, recycles paper, and carries cups and bowls, saying, "That's how money accumulates." In fact, he became a model of frugality for many as a successful financial case with asset in the 4 billion-won range and high stock revenue.
In one video in particular, he revealed that he spent 5 million won on a skin care procedure, showing that he "spends when he spends, and saves when he saves."
But the problem was the way he used the cafe. The footage clearly showed three people sharing one drink at the cafe. Some viewers criticized, "One person, one menu is basic shop etiquette," and, "Taking up a table during a time when small-business owners are struggling is inconsiderate." On the other hand, there were many defending opinions such as, "He was simply showing a lifelong habit of frugality in a variety-show way," and, "It is difficult to judge an older generation solely by current standards."
The focus of the debate has shifted beyond Jeon Won-ju as an individual to the scope of "frugality" and the boundaries of "public-place manners." While individual consumption styles should be respected, the practical view that minimal spending is needed when using commercial spaces is gaining traction. In particular, there appears to be sympathy given that small-business owners are struggling amid an economic downturn.
The production team said there had been prior consultation during filming and that actual orders were placed according to the number of people, but the controversy has not easily subsided as comments about his habitual behavior in the video also spread.
Of course, some argue that for generations who experienced war and poverty, frugality was a way of survival and a virtue. However, as times change and social standards for using public spaces have shifted, voices say a balance is needed between an "attitude of saving" and "consideration for others." This debate seems to call for thinking about what standards should be set in a society where different lifestyles coexist, beyond judging frugality itself as right or wrong.
[Photo] "YouTube, OSEN DB"
[OSEN]