Jeju Province pledged to prevent a recurrence after controversy over a "poor-quality gimbap" sold for 4,000 won per roll at a recent local festival.
Ryu Il-soon, Director General of Jeju Province's Culture, Sports and Education Bureau, said "We apologize from the province's standpoint" when provincial council member Kim Dae-jin asked about the controversy during an administrative audit by the Culture, Tourism and Sports Committee at the 443rd special session of the provincial council on the 15th.
Ryu added, "The province recognizes the issue and is working to prevent a recurrence," and said, "Going forward, we will strengthen monitoring during festivals so this never happens again."
Earlier, a photo of gimbap sold at a local event in Jeju was posted on an online community. The gimbap, reportedly sold for 4,000 won per roll, appeared to have scant fillings other than seaweed and rice, such as pickled radish, egg garnish, and carrot. The poster also said, "Two rolls of gimbap were bundled and sold for 8,000 won."
As the controversy grew, Jeju City confirmed that the gimbap in question was sold on site. However, the city said that aside from the problematic gimbap, other foods were sold at reasonable prices.