Sokcho 'Squid War' Unkindness Controversy… Decision to Suspend Business and Operations

The 'Squid War' street vendor in Sokcho, Gangwon Province, has officially apologized and announced self-improvement measures following public backlash over unkindness allegations.

As a result of the controversy, the restaurant was subjected to a business suspension, and a temporary operation halt and regulatory restructuring will be conducted throughout the entire establishment.

On the 8th, the Sokcho Fishery Cooperative, the Sokcho Angler Management Association, and the Sokcho Yangmiri Trap Association held a special kindness training and self-improvement resolution meeting at the Sokcho Fishery in Cheongho-dong. They stated, "Last month on the 22nd, we issued a warning to the respective business, and we will consider business suspension or closure if similar complaints occur again."

The problematic establishment will cease operations until the 31st of this month, while other establishments will stop operations from the 17th to the 22nd to reorganize their internal regulations.

Apology Statement Read Aloud… Merchant Group "Deeply Reflecting"

During the resolution meeting, the merchant group announced an apology statement, which was read aloud by the individual involved in the unkindness controversy. The statement said, "The unkindness incidents at the Squid War have been reported through media and YouTube, leading to much criticism. We sincerely apologize for causing concern to the public and offer our heartfelt apologies to those who experienced discomfort."

Additionally, they stated, "The merchants are taking the severity of the issue seriously and will conduct kindness training for all merchants through this resolution meeting, making every effort to prevent recurrence. We once again apologize for tarnishing the image of Sokcho, a tourist city with a beautiful natural environment."

Kang Jeong-ho, a member of the Gangwon Provincial Council, emphasized on-site that "the role of the Squid War is important in local tourism" and urged, "Please welcome tourists in a more friendly manner."

Triggered by YouTube Video… Public Opinion Cools

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

In the video, a restaurant staff member repeatedly urged customers who had ordered squid sashimi, steamed squid, and soju by saying, "This young lady, can't you eat here?" and "Hurry up and eat," insisting they change seats and eat faster. The requests, made less than 10 minutes after the menu items were served, caused the customers to express their displeasure.

This video spread through online communities and social media earlier this month, igniting the controversy over unkindness. Citizens reacted negatively, stating, "If that's the case, they shouldn't accept customers" and "Even in tourist areas, that's too much."

Image source: youtube 'Kim Sul Pocha', News1