"It Doesn't Even Seem Worth 6,000 Won"... Chungjuman Addresses 'Substandard Lunchbox' Controversy Directly

Controversy Over Inadequate Side Dishes Such as Green Chili Peppers, Kimchi, and Pickled Perilla Leaves
"Chungjuman: We Have Immediately Launched an Audit... Appropriate Measures Will Be Taken"

Regarding the controversy over the "substandard lunchbox" provided at the 19th Chungbuk Disabled Residents Sports Competition held recently in Chungju, North Chungcheong Province, "Chungjuman" (Kim Seontae, an official at Chungju City Hall), the operator of Chungju City's official YouTube channel, personally explained the situation and issued an apology.

Lunch boxes for the athletes participating in the opening ceremony of the Chungbuk Disabled Residents Sports Competition. Photo by Yonhap News

Chungju City's official YouTube channel operator "Chungjuman" (Kim Seontae, Chungju City official) posted a video explaining the controversy over the "substandard lunchbox." Screenshot from Chungju City YouTube.

On April 29, in a video titled "Let Me Explain" posted on Chungju City's YouTube channel, Kim stated, "There was reportedly a problem with the lunchboxes on the first day of the Disabled Residents Sports Competition," and added, "I am here to tell you what happened with the lunchboxes."

During the opening ceremony of the Chungbuk Disabled Residents Sports Competition held at Hoam Gymnasium in Chungju on April 24, controversy arose over lunchboxes provided to some participants, as the contents were considered inadequate for the price. Although each lunchbox cost 12,000 won per person, only seasoned seaweed, pickled perilla leaves, kimchi, and green chili peppers were provided as side dishes. The lunchboxes were supplied by a local company in Chungju, reportedly introduced by the Chungju Disabled Sports Association.

Gwak Youngae, a team leader at the Chungju Disabled Sports Association who appeared in the video with Kim, explained the background of the lunchbox pricing, saying, "The tent (including chairs and tables) cost 3,000 won per person, and the meal was 9,000 won, totaling 12,000 won per person." Gwak added, "After receiving a request for recommendations, we looked at three companies and searched for one that could provide tents, tables, chairs, and meals together. This company said it could handle all three, and when we sampled the food in advance, it was delicious at that time."

She continued, "However, on the actual day, because they had to prepare such a large quantity of food, there was chicken stew in the first 1,100 lunchboxes, but after that, as about 300 lunchboxes were lacking, the portions were reduced. In the end, about 60 to 70 lunchboxes were truly insufficient," she admitted with regret.

When Kim asked, "From the public's perspective, it was too much. How is the company responding?" Gwak replied, "The company said they will not charge for the tents and are adjusting the meal price to 6,000 won. But honestly, it doesn't even seem worth 6,000 won. So we are still negotiating the price with the company. The owner keeps apologizing, but I don't think an apology alone will resolve this."

Kim repeatedly apologized, acknowledging that Chungju City bore significant responsibility due to inadequate preparation for the sports competition. Kim said, "There were many regrettable aspects regarding the lunchbox incident. These were guests visiting Chungju, and we should have taken better care of them, but we failed to do so. I sincerely apologize once again."

Through subtitles in the video, Chungju City stated, "We have immediately launched an audit regarding this incident and will thoroughly investigate the entire selection process to ensure there are no suspicions." The city also emphasized, "We will take appropriate measures against the company, including seeking compensation for damages, and will meticulously inspect and manage the process to prevent such incidents from happening again."