Controversy Over 'Dance Service' by Female Employees at a Gopchang Restaurant, Escalating into Gender Conflict

A gopchang restaurant in Seoul sparked controversy online as it promoted itself with a video featuring female employees performing a 'dance service,' leading to escalating gender conflict.

In May, a short video titled "A Gopchang Restaurant Where You Get a Terminal Dance When You Enter" was posted on social media.

The video captures two female employees in aprons dancing the trendy 'terminal dance' in front of dining customers.

This dance is characterized by movements where the hips and shoulders are shaken side to side. It parodies videos that have recently become popular in China, where short-skirted girls dance the 'terminal dance' in front of restaurant patrons.

The video includes phrases like "Comment if you're curious about the employee's Instagram" and "If views reach 1 million, the owner will give the staff 500,000 won," along with hashtags such as 'terminal dance' and 'excel'.

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Dance Service Video Sparks Heated Debate Online

As the video spread, heated debates emerged in online communities, particularly regarding the use of sexually suggestive dances in marketing, which further escalated the discussion into differences in sexual perceptions between men and women.

Female employees dancing the 'terminal dance' at a gopchang restaurant / Capture from SNS

Critics voiced strong opinions, stating, "Try raising a child; parents aren't laughing," "Isn't this objectifying women? If my daughter were doing that, I would genuinely be furious," "Focus on food and cleanliness instead of this," "Why are only female employees dancing? It feels like an entertainment establishment," "If my daughter is made to do such things at her job, I'll take her out immediately and report the place."

On the other hand, supporters argued, "If the owner is forcing them to do it, that's an issue, but if the employees are okay with it, what's the problem?" "Using a promotional video from YouTube for customer service? How does that work?" "If that's considered suggestive, then all idols should wear hijabs and dance," "They really dance well."

As the controversy grew, one netizen reported the restaurant to the authorities for engaging in entertainment activities in a general restaurant.

Subsequently, an official visited the establishment and recommended the video be deleted. It is reported that after receiving administrative guidance, the owner deleted the video, bringing an end to the incident.

Image source: Female employees dancing the 'terminal dance' at a gopchang restaurant / Capture from SNS