Sokcho's 'Squid Sashimi' Unfriendliness Controversy… Decision on Business Suspension and Operation Halt

The 'Squid Sashimi' booth village in Sokcho, Gangwon Province, which faced public backlash due to unfriendliness, has announced an official apology and a decision for self-regulation.

The restaurant at the center of the controversy has been subjected to a business suspension order, and a temporary operation halt along with a review of regulations across all stores will take place.

On the 8th, the Sokcho City Fishery Cooperative, Sokcho City Handline Fishing Businessmen Association, and Sokcho City Young-Milly Net Association held a special kindness education session and a self-regulation resolution meeting at the Sokcho City Fisheries Cooperative. They stated, "We issued a warning to the concerned establishment on the 22nd of last month, and will consider business suspension or closure if the same complaints arise."

The problematic establishment will suspend operations until the 31st of this month, and other stores will also halt operations from the 17th to the 22nd for internal regulation reviews.

Apology Read Aloud… Merchant Group "Deeply Reflecting"

During the resolution meeting, the merchant group announced an apology, which was read aloud by the party involved in the unfriendliness controversy. The apology included statements such as, "The unfriendliness incidents at Squid Sashimi have been reported through the media and YouTube, leading to significant criticism," and "We sincerely apologize to those who experienced discomfort and regret any anxiety caused to the public."

Furthermore, it was stated, "Merchants will accept the seriousness of the issue and, through this resolution meeting, will conduct kindness training for all merchants and do our best to prevent recurrence," adding "We again apologize for tarnishing the image of Sokcho, a tourist city with a pristine natural environment."

Kang Jeong-ho, a member of the Gangwon Provincial Assembly, urged on-site, "The role of Squid Sashimi in local tourism is important," and requested, "Please welcome tourists more kindly."

Triggering from YouTube Video… Public Opinion Cold

This incident originated from a video released on June 26 on a YouTube channel.

In the video, a restaurant employee repeatedly urged a customer who ordered squid sashimi, squid steamed whole, and soju to "scoot over, miss," and "hurry up and eat," as well as asking them to switch seats. The demands began less than 10 minutes after the menu was served, and the customer expressed discomfort.

This video spread on online communities and social media earlier this month, igniting the unfriendliness controversy. Citizens voiced negative reactions such as, "If that’s the case, they shouldn’t take customers," and "No matter how much of a tourist spot it is, that's excessive."

Image source: youtube 'KimSulpoccha', News1