Reported as a street vendor in May and forced to close business
Later news emerged that they entered a department store
It has been reported that the 'Handsome Bungeoppang Owner,' who had to stop his street vending business in Sillim-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul after being reported, is now showcasing his bungeoppang at a department store.
Kim Jong-oh, a freelance model and fish-shaped pastry vendor known as the "Handsome Bungeoppang Owner" in Sillim-dong, Seoul. Photo by Kim Jong-oh's Instagram capture
Recently, Kim Jong-oh, a bungeoppang vendor and freelance model, posted on his Instagram, "Thanks to the great interest, I have launched the bungeoppang brand 'Bungeomong' and will be presenting it at Hyundai Department Store." He added, "In addition to the traditional red bean and custard cream bungeoppang, after much thought and research, we have developed sweet potato lotus, pepperoni pizza, and cheese tteokgalbi bungeoppang that you can only taste at Bungeomong, which will be introduced for the first time at Hyundai Department Store." He also mentioned that he will be present throughout the event and shared the popup store schedule at the department store. Prices range from 2,500 to 4,800 won.
Netizens who heard this news responded with comments such as "Looks and skills combined," "I definitely want to see it in person this time," "Was the initial street vending just SNS marketing?" "Prices went up after entering the department store," "I must visit," and "I like how he is trying various things."
The "Handsome Bungeoppang Owner," who had to stop his street vending business in Sillim-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul after being reported, has recently been featured selling his bungeoppang at a department store. Instagram capture
Earlier last month, videos of Kim, known as the 'Handsome Bungeoppang Owner' and 'Bungeoppang Vendor Resembling Jung Hae-in,' selling bungeoppang went viral on social media platforms. These videos garnered millions of views, and netizens even shared the location of his street stall in the comments. He explained the reason for selling bungeoppang, saying, "In this era of high prices, as ingredient costs have risen significantly, many bungeoppang stalls have disappeared. I felt it was a shame that winter snacks priced at 1,000 to 2,000 won were vanishing, so I decided to give it a try."
However, on the 5th of last month, he suddenly announced that he would stop his business. Kim stated, "While I am very grateful for the attention the 'Handsome Bungeoppang Vendor' videos have received, unfortunately, there have been too many reports, and the district office contacted me. Therefore, from today, I can no longer operate at my usual spot." He continued, "If there is anyone running a store or a landlord in Sillim-dong, I would like to pay rent and continue operating. Please contact me if you know anyone nearby."
At that time, netizens reacted with comments such as "Some people just can't stand seeing others succeed," "There are very few bungeoppang street vendors left, so was it really necessary to report him?" and "This is not justice, it's jealousy."
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