"Dark Times After Martial Law"...Suddenly 'Donzzul' Hits a Rural Chinese Restaurant, What Happened?

Chungnam Chinese Restaurant's Sales Plummet After Martial Law
Regulars Bring Friends, Keeping the Place Bustling
"Regular Customers Are the Power That Saves the Store"

As consumer sentiment froze due to the emergency martial law situation and impeachment crisis, self-employed business owners took a direct hit to their sales, but a heartwarming story about regular customers bringing their acquaintances and happily boosting business has become a hot topic.

On the 6th, an online self-employed community called 'Apeunikka Sajangida' (Because It Hurts, I'm the Boss) posted a photo along with a post titled 'The Weekend Saved by Regular Customers.'

Because It Hurts, I Am the Boss

A, a middle-class owner of a Chinese restaurant in a rural outskirts area of Hongseong-gun, Chungnam, said, "On weekdays, residents and office workers steadily buy from us, but on weekends, if people from Hongseong city or Naepo don’t come, it’s basically not very profitable (sales are low)." He opened up, "After the martial law and impeachment, weekend sales kept declining, and I was feeling gloomy. Yesterday, even after opening past midnight, there were only two tables. Everyone’s expressions weren’t good, thinking today would be another dry spell," he recalled.

At that moment, a regular customer who runs a strawberry farm brought acquaintances. Another regular who often came with his wife to eat Samseon Jjamppong also came with his family. Moreover, employees from a nearby factory came all at once. A said, "Customers came in a crowd. The customer who brought their family recommended our restaurant, saying it’s delicious and to try the Samseon Jjamppong," and added, "A factory employee who occasionally visits our place bragged that the jjamppong is so delicious that he recommended it to all his friends and colleagues," expressing his joy.

He continued, "Suddenly, with the rush of customers, the staff became energized. It rained and was cold yesterday, but residents also came to eat, so we really had a lively business. Seeing the packed hall was heartwarming," he smiled. He added, "Regular customers are the strength that keeps the store alive and maintained. It’s very touching. So when regulars come, I greet them more energetically and warmly and provide better service. Offering fried dumplings and drinks as complimentary is a given," he said.

Netizens who read the story responded warmly with comments like "The boss’s mindset is bound to succeed," "Such grateful people in difficult times," "Wishing all self-employed in Korea strength," "They came because it’s delicious," "Making regulars is also the boss’s skill," "Positive boss is admirable," "Wishing continued prosperity," and "I’ll stop by if I visit Hongseong."