"I don't want to make excuses, but most people are struggling"
"I have made many efforts to change"
In an effort to dispel the ongoing overcharging controversy, the Incheon Soraepogu Comprehensive Fish Market Merchants Association, which is hosting a free sashimi event, stated that only a few vendors were involved in the controversy, while the majority are ordinary merchants. They also requested that the free sashimi event be evaluated as it is, emphasizing that it was started with pure intentions and not for any specific purpose.
On the 29th, an online community posted a message titled 'A Letter to Customers at the Free Flatfish Event Venue' received by netizens who visited Soraepogu Fish Market. The Merchants Association said, "Due to several recent unfortunate videos and incidents, Soraepogu, which is the closest and most nostalgic place in the metropolitan area, is being shunned by many customers."
They continued, "In fact, most merchants are good-natured and simple people just like anyone else. Most merchants do not even know the cost price and feel proud when they hear a simple 'It was delicious' after giving away their products," adding, "We do not want to make excuses, but many are struggling now because of the business practices of a few merchants."
However, the Merchants Association stated, "As customers have pointed out, we believe it is time to change, and we have made many efforts to do so," explaining, "This event is an opportunity to be evaluated on some of the improvements made to Soraepogu's issues." They also said, "We do not serve bad products just because they are free, nor do we want to receive good evaluations simply because they are free."
Furthermore, they said, "Many people are struggling in this difficult economy, but we hope our free sharing will be of help, and we want this to be the beginning of a small step toward improving Soraepogu's image. Please remember that this is a sincere event," and asked, "Please enjoy the food and evaluate it as it is."
On the afternoon of the 5th, the joint inspection team from Namdong-gu Office is inspecting a plate-type scale at Soraepogu Comprehensive Fish Market in Namdong-gu, Incheon. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Originally, Soraepogu was considered a representative tourist destination in the metropolitan area. However, it became controversial due to aggressive solicitation, mixed sales, and overcharging. In particular, last month, a video showing the forced purchase of seafood was released on YouTube, sparking criticism. As a result, Soraepogu merchants have been conducting a free sashimi event from the 18th to the 29th to improve their image.
However, repeated early sell-outs during lunch hours caused consumer dissatisfaction. In response, the Merchants Association increased the daily free flatfish sashimi supply from 300 kg (serving 750 people) to 400 kg (serving 1,000 people) starting on the 27th. The total amount of free sashimi provided during the event is 3,300 kg, valued at approximately 120 million KRW based on sales prices. The Merchants Association announced that even after the free sashimi event ends, they plan to focus on improving their image by regularly holding seasonal seafood discount events.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
