At a recent workshop in Seoul, Gangwon Province’s Jeongseon District Office found itself embroiled in controversy after 40 people made a reservation at a BBQ restaurant but did not show up without notifying the restaurant, causing significant criticism. Initially, the district office claimed that an outsourced company had made the reservation and compensation would be difficult. However, as negative public opinion surged, they shifted their position and issued an apology, stating they would “do their best to provide compensation.”
On October 31, the Jeongseon District Office’s website was flooded with complaints from citizens angry about this “no-show” incident. Criticisms included comments urging the officials to “get their act together” and questioning whether the district office was still engaging in high-handed behavior without accountability. Users expressed their anger about the lack of responsibility being taken by the officials involved.
On October 28, a post appeared in a self-employed community forum called ‘It Hurts Because I’m the Boss.’ The post, made by the owner of the BBQ restaurant in Yeouido, claimed that 40 people who had reserved seats failed to show up, which negatively impacted their business for the day. The owner, identified as Mr. A, explained that the reservation had been made under the name of the district office, but later they denied making such a booking. Only after the owner presented a recording of the reservation call did the officials apologize, admitting they had forgotten about the reservation.
Jeongseon District Office stated that the event management had been outsourced and the no-show occurred due to the contractor’s mistake. However, recognizing the growing backlash, a district representative acknowledged their inadequate response and stated they would try to meet the restaurant owner’s compensation demands.
Mr. A, speaking to JTBC, expressed deep frustration, saying, “In Yeouido, even without a deposit, reservations have never been an issue. This is the first no-show we’ve experienced. What angers me most is their denial of the reservation and only apologizing after hearing the recorded call.”