Scam Controversy at Soraepogu "Get YouTube Permission Before Filming"

Install a Signboard Saying "Stop by the Office Before Filming"

A notice restricting YouTube and broadcast filming at Incheon Soraepogu Fish Market, which has been embroiled in controversy over overcharging and excessive solicitation, is heating up online communities.

Entrance signboard installed at Soraepogu Traditional Fish Market entrance [Photo by BobaeDream]

On the 8th, a photo of a signboard placed at the entrance of Soraepogu Traditional Fish Market was posted on an online community under the title "Current Status of Soraepogu." The photo showed a signboard with the message, "Please go through the office for YouTube filming and broadcast filming." At the bottom of the signboard, there was also a phrase stating, "If the market suffers damage due to malicious or intentional editing, civil and criminal liability and future filming bans will apply."

The poster, Mr. A, who shared the photo, explained, "Soraepogu has a traditional fish market, a general fish market, and a street market," adding, "This is the Soraepogu Traditional Fish Market." He further warned, "Visitors and YouTubers coming in and out of Soraepogu should be cautious from now on."

Netizens who received the news responded with comments such as, "It seems like they are trying to hide the problem," "Isn't it because they are not confident?" "Under what law are they being punished?" and "Does this mean they have no intention to improve?"

Soraepogu, once considered one of the representative tourist destinations in the metropolitan area, recently faced backlash as some businesses were repeatedly exposed in YouTube videos for overcharging and excessive solicitation.

Last year, controversy grew online when a story spread about being swapped with a legless crab at the market. In response, Soraepogu merchants held a self-purification meeting, apologizing with deep bows and pledging to eradicate solicitation, mixing products, and overcharging.

However, in February, criticism arose again when YouTube revealed some businesses charging 378,000 won for two snow crabs without providing accurate weights and unilaterally forcing seafood purchases.

In response, the Soraepogu General Fish Market Merchants Association held a "free sashimi event" last month to improve its image. The association explained during the event, "Due to recent unfortunate videos and incidents, Soraepogu has been shunned by customers," adding, "Only some places were involved in the controversy, and the majority of merchants are honest and sincere people."