"I Couldn't Believe My Eyes" Customer Brings Monitor and Laptop to Starbucks

A photo of a customer working on a computer with a laptop and a large monitor set up at the coffee shop Starbucks has sparked controversy after being posted on an online community.

A customer working inside a store that appears to be Starbucks, with a laptop and an office monitor placed on the table.
Photo by FM Korea

On the 19th, a post titled "Came to Seubeok (Starbucks) and couldn't believe my eyes" was uploaded to an online community. The author, Mr. A, posted a photo showing a customer at what appears to be a Starbucks store using a monitor and a laptop set up on the table, asking, "Seubeok doesn't restrict this kind of thing, so what's the big deal?" and "Isn't this a bit too much?" seeking opinions on which stance people take.

In the revealed photo, the customer had pushed together two tables: one table held a large monitor, and the other had a laptop on a stand connected to a keyboard. A power strip, seemingly plugged into an outlet, was also placed on the table. Specific details such as the location of the store or when the photo was taken were not disclosed.

Most netizens expressed opinions that this behavior violates public etiquette. Comments included, "At this point, wouldn't it be better to buy coffee and work at home?" "It's impressive to carry all that there," "I thought this only happened in comedy YouTube videos, but it’s real," and "I'm curious about their mindset." However, some argued, "Unless Starbucks restricts it, there's nothing to say."

Meanwhile, a similar case sparked controversy last year when a photo of a man using dual monitors with a monitor and laptop on a Starbucks table was posted online, drawing public outrage. In July of the same year, controversy arose when a customer tried to bring a 'printer machine' to a cafe. A photo shared by the cafe owner on an online community showed a printer, laptop, notebook, and documents occupying three tables.

On self-employed business owner online communities, posts complaining about some customers’ excessive behavior are common. As more customers spend long hours in cafes using electricity excessively, cafe owners have shared methods to prevent such customers, including "limiting usage time to 2-3 hours," "blocking power outlets," and "banning study groups."