Two restaurant staff members are mixing leftover kkakdugi from customers into a large kkakdugi container. In particular, one employee is using tongs with bare hands to transfer the kkakdugi, which is not only unsanitary but also criticized for ignoring quarantine rules during the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo by Online Community Capture
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Soyoung] A personal broadcaster BJ became embroiled in controversy after a live broadcast intended to support small business owners struggling due to COVID-19 showed a scene of side dishes being reused at a gukbap restaurant run by the broadcaster's aunt.
On the 7th, AfreecaTV BJ Pai, along with another BJ, worked part-time serving at a pork gukbap restaurant in Busan operated by his aunt and held an event donating twice the sales revenue. Participants for the event were accepted in advance, and on-site participation was also allowed. The event was broadcast live through AfreecaTV.
However, the problem arose unexpectedly. During the live broadcast, one employee was seen taking leftover kkakdugi (cubed radish kimchi) from customers, adding fresh kkakdugi, and serving it as a new side dish, a so-called 'side dish reuse' scene that was revealed live on air.
Viewers watching the broadcast expressed outrage over the restaurant's poor hygiene, saying things like, "How could they do that during the COVID era?" and "They must have done this so often that it became a habit even during the broadcast."
In response to the controversy, BJ Pai posted an apology notice, stating, "As the organizer, I sincerely apologize for the issue of food reuse that occurred today," and added, "I should have thoroughly checked, but it seems I handled it immaturely."
He continued, "Since this was content created with good intentions for donations and many people participated, I feel heavy-hearted for disappointing everyone," and apologized further, saying, "The donation will be carried out later, and the restaurant will immediately correct its hygiene management and receive appropriate punishment."
He reiterated, "The donation will be carried out later, and the restaurant will immediately correct its hygiene management and receive appropriate punishment. I will also personally contact those who made reservations and visited today to apologize," expressing his repeated apologies.
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