"Portraying Cafe Owners as Shameless Criminals"... People Power Party Slams Lee over '120 Won Coffee Cost' Remarks

"Reveals Ignorance of the Market Economy," Criticism Erupts

On May 18, the People Power Party unleashed strong criticism against Lee Jaemyung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party, over his remarks that "the cost of coffee is 120 won."

Kwon Seongdong, floor leader of the People Power Party, wrote on Facebook that day, "Candidate Lee claimed that 'the cost of a cup of coffee is 120 won, while the selling price is between 8,000 and 10,000 won,' thus portraying cafe owners across the country as shameless criminals." He added, "It seems he understood the cost of coffee as merely the price of beans, which clearly reveals his ignorance of the market economy."

Yonhap News

On May 16, during a campaign rally in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province, Lee stated, "A cup of coffee can be sold for 8,000 to 10,000 won, but according to what I found out, the cost is 120 won."

Shin Dongwook, chief spokesperson for the People Power Party, issued a commentary that day, saying, "Isn't he viewing small business owners as unscrupulous profiteers?" He continued, "Small business owners can only shed tears at such irresponsible remarks that hurt them, all for the sake of promoting his own achievements."

He went on to say, "On what grounds does he claim that the price is excessive by looking only at the simple cost of raw materials?" He further argued, "The excessive minimum wage and rising real estate prices, which began under the Moon Jaein administration, have increased the burdens on small business owners and are the main causes of higher prices."

Kim Hyeji, deputy spokesperson for the People Power Party, also criticized Lee in a commentary, saying, "He who once mocked the Yoon Sukyeol administration over the price of green onions is now mocking the lives of ordinary people." She added, "Lee's remarks are not advice but ridicule, and they make a mockery of the hard-earned livelihoods of small business owners."

Han Donghoon, former leader of the People Power Party, wrote on Facebook, "If, as Lee claims, the cost of coffee is 120 won and cafe owners are making huge profits, then even Warren Buffett would open a cafe in Korea." He added, "Lee is even more dangerous because of his incompetence."