This story is going viral because it touches on customer rights, restaurant etiquette, and the perceived arrogance of the restaurant towards a long-time regular. The staff's comment about the practice being 'unsightly' has particularly inflamed public opinion.
Kimchi is a staple side dish in Korea, known for its spicy and fermented flavor. It's not uncommon for some people, especially children or those with a low spice tolerance, to 'wash' kimchi in water or soup to reduce its spiciness, making the restaurant's outright refusal and 'unsightly' comment quite unusual and controversial.
A shocking incident at a popular kalguksu restaurant in Seoul has sparked heated debate online after a 70-year-old regular customer was reportedly denied an extra bowl to wash her kimchi, with staff claiming it looked 'unsightly' to other diners. The customer, who has frequented the restaurant for over 50 years, explained that she struggles with spicy food and often washes her kimchi to make it more palatable. Despite her long history with the establishment and her explanation, the staff firmly refused, stating that the practice was not allowed in their restaurant and was 'unsightly' to other customers, especially with a growing number of foreign visitors. The customer, feeling disrespected and appalled, left without finishing her meal, questioning why a customer's personal eating preference should be dictated by the restaurant in such a manner. The incident has drawn widespread criticism from netizens and commentators alike, who largely side with the customer, emphasizing that personal eating habits should be respected, especially for a loyal patron.