Last Month's Gangnam CGV Opening, Crowded Even on Weekdays
Connection Made on 'Golmok Sikdang' Broadcast... Controversy Over Neighborhood Business Infringement Arises
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Seohyun] 'Yeondon Bolkatsu' plans to expand its franchise stores in Jeju Island. Yeondon Bolkatsu is a franchise business launched by Baek Jong-won, the cooking researcher and CEO of The Born Korea, together with Yeondon, a pork cutlet specialty restaurant. Recently, it has sparked controversy over infringement on local small business districts.
The new franchise location is in an area frequented by many tourists, and it is currently reported that the final stages of interior construction are underway.
Baek, who is appearing on a variety show aimed at revitalizing local small business districts, started the franchise business with Yeondon, whom he met through the show. Among self-employed business owners, reactions such as "Baek's sprawling business expansion actually infringes on local small business districts," and "It is unfair" have been voiced.
Baek Jong-won, CEO of The Born Korea, and Yeondon, a pork cutlet specialty restaurant, are expanding the franchise business 'Yeondon Vol Kats' to Jeju Island. Photo by 'Yeondon' Instagram capture
Baek previously publicly stated on a broadcast that "there are no plans to franchise Yeondon," which further fueled the controversy.
In response, The Born Korea explained, "Since this started at the request of Korean pork farmers to increase consumption of less-preferred pork parts, the purpose is not franchise expansion." They also explained that since franchise expansion is not the main goal, the franchise business has been developed at major hubs within the metropolitan area rather than local small business districts.
However, the franchise store scheduled to open next month is located in Jeju Island, not the metropolitan area, so the controversy over infringement on local small business districts is expected to resurface.
The queue in front of Yeondon Bolkatsu Gangnam CGV branch revealed by YouTuber 'Ryangryang'. /Photo by 'Ryangryang' YouTube capture
Meanwhile, Yeondon is a pork cutlet specialty restaurant that gained attention after appearing on SBS variety show 'Baek Jong-won's Alley Restaurant' in 2018. The following year, it relocated near The Born Hotel in Jeju, and last month on the 27th, the first franchise store, Gangnam CGV branch, opened in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
The Gangnam CGV branch is so popular that even on weekdays, long lines form. On the 2nd, YouTuber Ryangryang posted a video titled "Gangnam Station 'Yeondon Bolkatsu' (feat. Premium Donggeurangttaeng??)" expressing amazement, saying, "I visited Yeondon Bolkatsu at Gangnam Station and ordered Bolkatsu, which was bigger than expected. I didn't realize because it was at the front, but the line is really long," capturing the scene of people lining up in the video.
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