YouTuber Faces Rude Service at Popular Restaurant in Yeosu, Mayor Issues Apology

A recent incident involving a YouTuber receiving rude service at a well-known restaurant in Yeosu has sparked controversy, leading to an official apology from Yeosu Mayor Jeong Gi-myeong on July 24. In a statement posted on the city hall's website, Mayor Jeong acknowledged the widespread criticism following reports of the incident, expressing regret for the distress caused to the public and offering a sincere apology to the YouTuber involved.

Mayor Jeong emphasized that Yeosu is a prominent marine tourism city, attracting 13 million visitors annually, and noted that this unfortunate incident has tarnished the city's image and undermined the efforts of its citizens.

To address the issue, the mayor promised to enhance customer service training for food and accommodation businesses, implement stricter management of establishments with complaints of rudeness, create a manual for serving solo diners, designate restaurants that cater to single customers, and strengthen training for staff in the hospitality industry.

The controversy began when a female YouTuber visited the restaurant on July 3 and was pressured to eat quickly despite ordering two servings. Footage from the incident showed restaurant staff urging her to hurry, even commenting on her spending of 20,000 KRW, which sparked public outrage.

On July 15, the city conducted an on-site inspection of the restaurant in question and announced plans for a special hygiene check, promising to take strong administrative action, including fines for any violations found.