Pungja Interviews Yeosu Solo Diner YouTuber
"It Was Actually Worse, The Video Didn't Capture Everything"
"I Don't Need an Apology... Please Stay Quiet"
The controversy over rudeness at a famous restaurant in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, is not dying down easily. In fact, the YouTuber involved has stated that the actual experience was even ruder than what was shown.
On July 19, the YouTube channel 'Studio Suje' posted a video titled "Met the Solo Diner in Yeosu in Person." In this video, broadcaster Pungja meets YouTuber A, the victim of the solo dining incident in Yeosu, and asks about what happened at the time.
A YouTuber who visited a restaurant alone in Yeosu and revealed the owner's rude behavior is sharing their feelings. YouTube channel 'Studio Suje'
Previously, A visited a Baekban restaurant that had been introduced as the number one restaurant in Yeosu on Pungja's YouTube content 'Ttoganjip,' which features local eateries. A went alone and ordered two servings. In A's own YouTube video, they explained, "I want to try the Baekban and Seodaehoe-muchim that Pungja praised as the best in Yeosu," and "Since solo diners are not allowed, I decided to order two servings and entered." However, A claims that after ordering and turning off the camera to eat, the restaurant owner scolded them during the meal.
In the video released by A, the restaurant owner can be heard saying in an irritated tone, "Our place doesn't only get single young women coming in. Hurry up and eat. If you just sit there like this, it's unlimited. It's unlimited, you know." When A responded, "It doesn't take me long to eat," the owner pressed further, saying, "I need to seat reservation guests. Sorry, but that's not how we do things here."
A stated, "I ordered two servings and only 20 minutes had passed," but the owner responded with comments such as, "Only 20,000 won?" "Just leave," and "Why are you acting like this?" In the end, A was brought to tears and had to leave. Regarding this, A said, "Honestly, people are outraged about the part I filmed, but it was actually worse than that," describing the owner's rude behavior at the time.
On July 20, A further clarified their position in a post on their YouTube channel's community. A stated that although the Yeosu restaurant had apologized, "(My) personal email and Instagram are listed, but I have not received any (direct) contact in any way," and that they only heard about the owner's claim of being unfair through others. A said, "I'm well aware of the provocative claims like 'It was an hour,' or 'They didn't eat a single bite for 20 minutes and just took photos.' Say whatever you want."
A continued, "If this crosses the line into public opinion manipulation or legal battles, and it goes all the way, I want to make it clear that there are more things I would have to reveal from my side. I don't need an apology, so please don't escalate the situation any further and keep quiet. I want to stop here." A added, "There were times when I felt weak because I couldn't delete the video as a way of defending myself while public opinion spread. If there had been a sincere and prompt apology even then, things might have been different, but that's not the case now."
As the controversy grew and some online commenters even said, "I won't travel to Yeosu anymore," the Yeosu city government stepped in to address the situation. The city issued an official statement, saying, "It was reported in the media that a restaurant in our city urged a customer to eat quickly in a loud voice," and "This incident has damaged the image of Yeosu as a tourist city and had a negative impact on the local economy." The city also requested, "Restaurant owners and employees should provide more friendly and courteous service to their customers."
As the controversy spread, the owner of the restaurant posted a handwritten apology on the entrance door, stating, "I am sorry for causing trouble. From now on, I will greet customers with kindness and warmth. I apologize."
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