Jindo, South Jeolla Province—A restaurant in Jindo has ignited a fierce online controversy following a viral YouTube video that captured a server rudely demanding that customers "unify" their orders, a response that has been widely criticized as an instance of unwelcoming and unfriendly service.
The incident was brought to light by YouTuber 'A,' who boasts a following of 80,000 subscribers. A recently visited the restaurant in Jindo with his girlfriend. The couple attempted to place a diverse order, selecting one small grilled gizzard shad, one serving of mulhoe (cold raw fish soup), and one serving of abalone porridge.
However, the person taking their order—later identified as an assisting staff member—immediately refused the request. "You can't do that," she reportedly insisted. "Unify your orders. This is not a snack bar." Confronted with the brusque refusal, the YouTuber and his girlfriend chose to leave the establishment without eating, with A stating, "Then I'll just leave."
The video, which was uploaded to YouTube on September 30, quickly drew a wave of condemnation from viewers. Comment sections across various online platforms were flooded with criticism of the restaurant’s attitude, with many users expressing shock at the server's discourtesy.
Restaurant Owner's Daughter Issues Public Apology
As the controversy escalated, an individual identifying herself as B, the daughter of the restaurant owner, posted a comment to the YouTube video to issue a public apology.
B clarified that the woman in the video was not the owner but a part-time employee assisting with service. "Regardless, the rude treatment toward a customer who came to our restaurant is entirely our fault," she wrote.
She further explained that her mother, the owner, primarily works in the kitchen and was "very sorry" to learn about the incident. "She apologizes for failing to manage the staff properly, which caused discomfort and gave a negative impression of Jindo," B added.
B also stated that the employee in the video was aware of the backlash and wished to apologize directly to the customers. She concluded her comment by noting that, as this was their first time dealing with such a public controversy, she was posting the initial apology while they figure out the best way to contact the YouTuber.
The restaurant, a local hoe (raw fish) establishment reportedly run by the owner for nearly 30 years, is now facing intense scrutiny. The incident has once again highlighted recurring complaints about unwelcoming customer service at some establishments in popular South Korean tourist destinations. The owner's family is currently discussing follow-up measures, including potential staff changes, to address the public outcry and prevent similar incidents in the future.
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