[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] Baek Jong-won shed tears upon hearing the news of the owner of the Wonju Kalguksu restaurant battling cancer.
On the 18th, SBS entertainment program 'Baek Jong-won's Alley Restaurant' aired a special episode focused on crisis management. The episode featured Baek giving advice to help the struggling food service industry and neighborhood businesses affected by various factors.
In the broadcast, Baek Jong-won said, "There are probably stores facing crises due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). While COVID-19 is a direct cause, I want to check if there are other issues and offer comfort and support," as he began inspecting the stores.
MC Kim Sung-joo explained, "There are four major problems faced by stores in crisis: first, the rise in raw material costs due to African swine fever; second, difficulties in places like Sinpo Market caused by commercial district relocations; third, health issues making it hard to run the business; and fourth, having to leave the store due to rent increases."
Kim Sung-joo and Jung In-sun visited the Wonju Kalguksu restaurant after hearing on social networks (SNS) that the owner was frequently absent from the store.
They saw a sign on the door stating "Closed for one week," and the owner was preparing the store for the temporary closure. Concerned about the owner, they asked about his recent condition, noticing he seemed somewhat different from before.
The Wonju Kalguksu owner shared, "Because of COVID-19 and my own health issues, I decided to close for a week to rest. I had surgery in Seoul," and revealed, "I was diagnosed with cancer. Customers probably know because I wear a hat. I can't go to the kitchen because my hair has fallen out. I tried to hide it, but I think they figured it out."
He continued, "When customers ask, 'Are you healthy?' I can't answer. It was discovered during a regular health checkup last December, six months after appearing on 'Alley Restaurant.' I am currently undergoing surgery and chemotherapy."
To the stunned Kim Sung-joo and Jung In-sun, the owner said, "My life has been very happy. Thanks to all of you, I was truly happy. Customers worried about my health and said it was delicious even when it wasn't. That made me very happy. Letting go of everything feels very comforting," and forced a smile.
To the tearful Jung In-sun, he offered words of comfort, saying, "I'm really okay."
Kim Sung-joo made a video call to Baek Jong-won, who could not come along. Upon receiving the call, Baek was happy to see the owner's bright smile but broke down in tears after hearing about his deteriorating health.
Seeing this, the owner said, "I'm okay. I'm smiling like this. I'm so upset. It hurts even more. I'm sorry for showing you this side of me. Thanks to you, I was happy," expressing his gratitude.
Baek Jong-won then said, "The world is really cruel," and sobbed.
Still, he comforted the owner, saying, "Good things will happen from now on."
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