Gwangjang Market 'Rip-off' Controversy Escalates: YouTuber Refutes Merchant's Claims

The controversy surrounding alleged 'rip-off' pricing at Seoul's Gwangjang Market continues to simmer, with the YouTuber who initially exposed the issues directly countering the explanations provided by a merchant and the market's association.

Previously, YouTuber 'Strange Cookie Store,' boasting 1.5 million subscribers, uploaded a video on the 4th titled 'I Don't Think I'll Ever Visit Gwangjang Market Again.' In it, the creator pointed out instances of rude service, food reuse, and deceptive pricing within the market.

The YouTuber claimed to have ordered 'large sundae' priced at 8,000 won but was charged 10,000 won by the merchant, who allegedly stated it was mixed with meat. Following the spread of the controversy, the merchant interviewed by Channel A on the 5th refuted this, stating the YouTuber requested meat to be mixed in and then tried to 'vilify' him over the price. The merchant claimed he told the YouTuber to pay 8,000 won if that was an issue.

In response, 'Strange Cookie Store' directly refuted these claims in the video's comments section on the 6th. 'If you claim I ordered assorted sundae, then assorted sundae should have been served. Why did you give me the basic large sundae?' the YouTuber questioned. 'The claim that I was asked if I wanted meat mixed in is also false. Neither I nor my companion heard such a question.'

'Ultimately, the meat was not mixed in either. The video clearly captures the situation at the time,' the YouTuber emphasized. 'I paid 10,000 won via bank transfer, and the owner confirmed the amount until the end. There was also no statement like 'Just pay 8,000 won if that's the case.''

Regarding the Gwangjang Market Merchants Association's statement suggesting the YouTuber approached with intent, the creator expressed regret, saying, 'If that's the official stance, it's truly regrettable.' The YouTuber clarified, 'The video was not intended to target a specific store but to highlight the market's structural problems.'

The YouTuber concluded by urging consideration: 'Foreign tourists visit this market, calling it the 'birthplace of K-food.' We must consider whether unfriendly service and rip-off prices are damaging Korea's image.'

Meanwhile, Gwangjang Market faced similar criticism last year over a '15,000 won assorted jeon' controversy. Although the merchants' association promised a 'standard portion labeling system' and 'card payment acceptance,' there are ongoing reports that these promises are still not being kept by some vendors.

Korean netizens have largely supported the YouTuber's claims, with comments like 'Thank you for bravely bringing this issue to light' and 'I hope the truth comes out.' Many are urging market vendors to reflect on their practices, stating, 'There's a reason why business might be slow' and 'The market is losing trust.'