Lee Young-chul, who started with nothing and turned the 1,000-won "Youngchul Burger" in front of Korea University into a college-town fixture, died on the 13th. He was 58. He was reportedly battling cancer.
According to the college district and others on the 13th, Lee died that day. Lee, who did not properly finish elementary school, was said to have drifted through jobs at a Chinese restaurant, a military uniform factory, and day-labor sites starting at age 10.
Around 2000, while listed as a credit delinquent, Lee began selling 1,000-won burgers from a cart in front of Korea University with 22,000 won to his name. The "street burger," made by putting stir-fried meat, cabbage, and sauce into an American-style hot dog bun, spread by word of mouth among students and became a "fixture." By about 2005, it was even called a "rags-to-riches success story" with 40 franchise locations.
Lee was known for not raising prices even as costs rose. He kept the price the same even after switching the pork used in the burgers to loin, and he stuck to the "1,000 won" price even when rising cabbage and Cheongyang chili prices meant a loss of about 200 won on each burger sold.
Starting in 2004, he donated 20 million won to Korea University every year to provide the "Youngchul Scholarship" to students in need. He also handed out thousands of Youngchul Burgers for free at every annual Korea–Yonsei rivalry game (Yeonkojeon).
Youngchul Burger closed in 2015 due to business difficulties. As nearby eateries offering similar prices multiplied, competition intensified, and attempts to upgrade the menu reportedly led to financial trouble. Afterward, Korea University students launched a crowdfunding campaign that drew 2,579 people and raised 68.115 million won, and Youngchul Burger reopened and regained its place as a "fixture" in front of Korea University.
The wake has been set up in Room 102 of the funeral hall at Korea University Anam Hospital. The funeral procession is at 6:30 a.m. on the 15th, and the burial site is the Seoul Metropolitan Crematorium.