Kim Seon-tae, the official YouTube operator of Chungju City in North Chungcheong Province, widely known as 'Chungju Man,' apologized regarding the 'subpar lunch boxes' distributed at the opening ceremony of the 19th Chungbuk Disabled Citizens Athletic Games.
On the 30th, a video titled 'I would like to speak' was uploaded to the YouTube channel 'Chungju City.' In the video, Kim said, 'I came out to explain the facts directly after hearing that there was an issue with the lunch boxes.'
At the opening ceremony of the Disabled Citizens Sports Festival held on the 24th in Chungju at Hoam Gymnasium, the lunch boxes provided to some teams came under scrutiny. The lunch boxes, costing 12,000 won each, reportedly contained only a few sheets of seasoned seaweed, green chili peppers, kimchi, and pickled perilla leaves, leading to complaints about the insufficient portions.
Kim personally visited Head of Team Kwak Young-ae at the Chungju Disabled Sports Association to verify the delivery process and cost assessment of the lunch boxes. Kwak explained, '3,000 won per person was allocated for the tent (chairs and tables), and 9,000 won for meals, totaling 12,000 won.'
At that time, the lunch box supplier normally delivered up to 1,100 units with a proper composition including spicy stir-fried chicken on the event day, but approximately 300 units had fewer side dishes, and the last 60 to 70 units were reportedly of significantly lower quality. Kwak noted, 'Preparation was insufficient, and the supplier selection process was not thorough,' adding, 'I sincerely apologize to the participating athletes.' Kim also expressed, 'These guests came to Chungju, and we should have taken better care of them. I am sorry.'
Chungju City stated through the video that it has promptly initiated an investigation into the matter and will thoroughly examine the entire supplier selection process. It also mentioned that it would take appropriate actions against the lunch box supplier, including compensation for damages.
Chungju City also decided to strengthen pre-event checks in preparation for the 64th Chungbuk Sports Festival, which will be held from the 8th to the 10th of next month, by conducting joint meetings with relevant industries such as dining, catering, and accommodation.