Controversy Over Park Ji-yoon and Choi Dong-seok Couple Bringing Children to No-Kids-Zone Restaurant
[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] A famous no-kids zone restaurant in Jeju is causing controversy for refusing entry to children of non-celebrities while allowing only the children of broadcaster couple Park Jiyoon and Choi Dongseok. Some have raised concerns about preferential treatment for celebrities.
On the 12th, a post titled "That famous restaurant in Jeju" was uploaded on an online community. According to the post, the author A, who recently started a long-term stay in Jeju, tried to make a reservation at restaurant B, which is popular on social media, to visit with family.
However, restaurant B, operated as a no-kids zone, informed that children were not allowed even if a private room was reserved. As a result, A gave up on the reservation.
But shortly after, A saw photos on social media of Park Jiyoon's family dining at restaurant B with their children. A said, "(Park Jiyoon and Choi Dongseok couple's) children are all elementary school students. Are they selective about who they accept?" and added, "It seems even places like this are lenient with celebrities. It feels bitter, as if they rely on publicity more than food."
As the post sparked controversy, some pointed out "celebrity privilege." In response, A posted again on the 13th, saying, "I inquired with the restaurant and received the same answer as others who asked," and shared the conversation exchanged with the restaurant via Instagram direct messages (DM).
Restaurant B explained the situation of accepting the children of Park Jiyoon and Choi Dongseok despite being a no-kids zone, saying, "We thought you contacted us after seeing announcer Park Jiyoon's SNS."
They added, "When Park Jiyoon first visited, she made a reservation through an acquaintance and came. For the next wedding anniversary, she said she would come again and made a reservation through an acquaintance," and explained, "(Park Jiyoon) did not make the reservation through Instagram, so she was unaware of the no-kids zone policy and came with children."
They continued, "Since it was the (Park Jiyoon and Choi Dongseok couple's) wedding anniversary and they came dressed up with their children, it was difficult to cancel, so we reluctantly accepted the children," and apologized, "We sincerely apologize for causing confusion among customers due to our oversight."
Furthermore, they added, "Due to safety concerns and because the establishment mainly serves alcoholic beverages, we judge it harmful not only to infants but also to teenagers, so we plan to maintain the no-kids zone policy."
A expressed disappointment at the restaurant's explanation, saying, "Whatever the reason, it feels really unpleasant. The conclusion is that it was 'our unavoidable circumstances.'"
He also said, "I understand the difficulties faced by business owners implementing no-kids zones due to troubles caused by customers with children," but criticized, "If you operate a no-kids zone, the criteria must be clear. Trust is built when operational principles are well enforced in any situation, but the response this time was disappointing."
Meanwhile, after the controversy over visiting a no-kids zone restaurant, Park Jiyoon has deleted the restaurant visit verification photos she had posted on her Instagram.
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