Hong Seok-cheon "Hard to endure COVID-19, closing Itaewon store"

Broadcaster Hong Seok-cheon / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Park Hee-eun] Broadcaster Hong Seok-cheon announced that he will be ceasing operations of his restaurant in Itaewon.

On the 29th, Hong Seok-cheon posted a lengthy message on his Instagram explaining the reasons behind his decision to stop operating and sharing his reflections.

He wrote, "I have spent 18 years running restaurants in Itaewon. It’s a very long time. I spent my entire 30s and 40s here, but now I think it’s time to take a break."

Continuing, Hong Seok-cheon said, "I came out at the age of 30 in 2000 and was kicked out of broadcasting, but Itaewon accepted me as I am. Starting from a small rooftop restaurant, at one point I operated up to seven places," and added, "Tomorrow, Sunday, the last remaining store in Itaewon, My Chelsea, will close."

He stated, "I overcame every crisis like the financial crisis and MERS, but it’s hard for me to endure this damn COVID-19. Itaewon holds all my youthful dreams, people, and love. When I was in my 20s, I had a vague dream of creating a street like Lan Kwai Fong in Hong Kong or SoHo in New York in the back alleys of Itaewon. I thought that dream was coming true over time, but now I feel very regretful, upset, angry, and yet also bittersweet."

Hong Seok-cheon also revealed difficulties he faced beyond COVID-19 with various stakeholders. He said, "The building owners and officials at government offices were often out of sync," but expressed, "I am grateful and sorry to the Itaewon merchants I worked with and to everyone who has visited my restaurants in Itaewon for over a decade."

Finally, Hong Seok-cheon said, "I don’t know when, but I will come back to Itaewon soon," and added, "Goodbye for now, my beloved Itaewon."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.