"Half the Meat Is Fat": YouTuber's Video Sparks Controversy
Restaurant Owner Admits, "Employee's Mistake While I Was Away... My Responsibility"
Ulleung County Governor: "Apologies to Everyone. This Will Be a Turning Point"
"Immediate Actions and Mid- to Long-Term Measures Will Be Pursued with Full Effort"
Recently, controversy arose after a YouTuber who visited Ulleungdo complained about receiving meat with excessive fat at a local barbecue restaurant, only to be told, "That's just how it is." In response to the public outcry, the governor of Ulleung County issued an apology. Upon investigation, it was revealed that the pork served was not the ordered samgyeopsal (pork belly), but rather shoulder butt. The restaurant owner explained, "This happened while I was away from the restaurant," further fueling the anger of netizens.
On the 22nd, Namhangwon, the governor of Ulleung County, posted on his Facebook page, "I sincerely apologize to all the residents, everyone who visits and loves Ulleung County, and to our fellow citizens." Governor Nam continued, "Last weekend, the reality of Ulleung tourism was exposed on YouTube, causing disappointment and concern. I deeply apologize for this. We will use the criticisms raised by YouTube and various media as a lesson and an opportunity to take a step forward."
Governor Nam also stated, "Just as there is no growth without pain, we are grateful to learn from the process we must go through to become a global tourist destination. We are following the proper procedures regarding the issue, and we will address it with full effort by separating immediate actions from mid- and long-term tasks. I believe that even if we are lacking in some areas, if we are equipped with kindness and a spirit of service, we can regain the public's love and understanding. Together with the residents, we will prepare well so that people will continue to love and revisit Ulleungdo and Dokdo."
Previously, this restaurant became the center of controversy after a YouTuber complained about receiving "fatty samgyeopsal." The YouTuber "Kkuiun," who has about 550,000 subscribers, uploaded a video on July 19 titled, "Is Ulleungdo always like this? It was my first visit and I was quite shocked." In the video, the YouTuber ordered a serving (120g) of samgyeopsal for 15,000 won at a barbecue restaurant in Ulleungdo.
The issue was that more than half of the raw meat portion served consisted of fat. When the YouTuber asked, "Do you purposely serve half of it as fat?" the restaurant staff replied, "Unlike on the mainland, we don't cut the meat into precise shapes; we just slice it and serve it as is. At first, customers are hesitant, but they say it tastes good once it's grilled."
After the video was uploaded, many viewers commented that the meat appeared to be shoulder butt, not samgyeopsal. Later, on JTBC's "Incident Commander," the restaurant owner explained, "That day, I was at the hospital, so while I was away, my staff must have sliced meat that had been set aside. The meat was shoulder butt, which had been reserved for stew."
He added, "Since the staff was alone, it seems a mistake was made, but ultimately, it is my responsibility. I did not manage the restaurant properly. I am very sorry to the YouTuber and also to the people of Ulleungdo," bowing his head in apology.
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