'1.38 Million Won' Food Order Customer Called 'Sonnom'... Delivery Driver's Customer Disparagement Controversy

A post by a delivery driver on an online community. / Photo by Online Community Capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] A story about a delivery driver who delivered 1,380,000 won worth of food has been revealed, sparking controversy after the driver used the derogatory term 'sonnom' (손놈), which belittles the customer.

On the 25th, a post titled "Delivered 1,380,000 won worth of food today" was uploaded on an online community. The author, who identified himself as a delivery driver named A, wrote, "I triple-checked the address because it would be a big problem if anything was damaged or lost. I even spoke with the 'sonnom' before delivering."

The receipt shared along with the post included items such as lobster and king crab, totaling 1,383,000 won. The delivery fee was 5,000 won.

After A’s receipt details gained attention online, the use of the term 'sonnom' by A became a subject of controversy.

Some netizens criticized the delivery driver’s professionalism, saying things like, "What did the customer say? Why call them 'sonnom'?", "Even if it was a joke, using the word 'sonnom' shows the delivery driver’s character," "If you’re going to do it, at least work with a polite attitude," "The world is small; don’t they think the customer might see this?", and "They accepted the delivery job, so why insult a perfectly normal customer?"

However, others responded, "Delivering such expensive food isn’t common, so it seems like a careless expression on the community, but is this really something to make a public issue out of?", and "Everyone talks behind others’ backs; as long as you behave politely face-to-face, it’s fine."