Controversy Over Attitude as Bleach Served Instead of Sushi Vinegar: "How Should I Apologize?"... Official Apology Issued

Response Was "The Vinegar Container Was Switched" When Complained

Official Apology Issued on SNS After Incident Went Public

Apology letter written by the owner of a seafood restaurant that served bleach to a customer. Screenshot from SNS

Amid claims that bleach was served instead of 'chodaeri' (sushi vinegar sauce) at a seafood restaurant and that no apology was offered, the restaurant has ultimately posted an official apology letter.

Recently, on social networking services (SNS), a claim was posted stating that bleach was served in place of chodaeri at a seafood restaurant located in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. The poster, identified as Mr. A, said, "Since there was no particular smell, I mixed it with the rice, and as soon as I did, a rag-like odor wafted up. It turned out to be bleach."

He continued, "I urgently called a hall staff member and said it seemed like bleach, but all I got in response was that they would check it—there was not a single word of apology." He added, "When I went to the kitchen myself, I was told that the containers had been switched and it seemed like the vinegar and bleach containers had been mixed up."

Even after complaining directly to the restaurant owner, the response was baffling. The poster stated, "I told the owner, 'You shouldn't make excuses; you should apologize.' The owner replied, 'I am sorry, but how should I apologize?' and reportedly became irritated instead."

Mr. A lamented that if he and his colleagues had consumed the bleach, they would have suffered pain and required stomach pumping in the emergency room.

"Sincere Apology... I Take Full Responsibility as the Owner"

As the incident gained public attention, the seafood restaurant posted an apology letter on its official SNS. Mr. B, who operates the restaurant, stated, "I sincerely apologize to the customer who experienced discomfort and anxiety due to this incident," adding, "As the owner, I believe I am fully responsible for the fact that such an incident occurred at the restaurant."

He continued, "I believe this happened due to my shortcomings in properly managing the restaurant, and I deeply apologize for this. I have also personally contacted the customer to apologize once again. Nevertheless, I sincerely apologize once more for the significant inconvenience and concern this has caused."

He concluded, "Through this incident, I have come to realize how inadequate my management was. Going forward, I will thoroughly review and manage the restaurant's hygiene and operational procedures to ensure that such an incident never happens again."

"The Person Who Became Irritated Was an Employee, Not the Owner... Issue Amicably Resolved"

The matter was settled on March 9, when Mr. A posted an additional message on the thread, stating that he had spoken to the restaurant's representative about the bleach incident.

Mr. A explained, "He kept saying he was truly sorry. The person I spoke with at the restaurant was actually an employee, not the owner; at the time, the owner was not at the premises." He added, "All private settlements have been amicably concluded, and starting this morning, the district office has conducted an inspection. The owner said both the main restaurant and the annex have been closed for a full inspection and staff training."

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