"Caught Like a Rat" "Deliberate Approach"—1.5 Million-Subscriber YouTuber Refutes Gwangjang Market's Explanation

[Financial News] The YouTuber who raised the issue of overcharging at Gwangjang Market in Seoul expressed anger at the market association's claim that it seemed to be a 'deliberate approach.'

Mr. A, the operator of the YouTube channel 'Isanghan Gwajagage' with 1.49 million subscribers, stated on the 6th, "The market association's claim is truly regrettable."
Mr. A claimed on the 4th that he experienced unkind service and was overcharged at Gwangjang Market. He said, "It was my first time visiting Gwangjang Market, and I don't think I'll ever go back," adding, "I witnessed noodles for kalguksu being boiled with seaweed flakes and toppings clinging to them, and saw vendors insisting on cash payments even though they had card readers."
He continued, "I saw several vendors suddenly yelling at foreign customers, even though there was no reason to raise their voices."
The video showed the YouTuber arguing over the price at a sundae shop in Gwangjang Market. Although the price list stated that a large sundae was 8,000 won, the vendor demanded 10,000 won.
When the YouTuber asked, "It says 8,000 won here, so why is it 10,000 won?" the vendor replied, "Because I mixed it with meat." The YouTuber responded, "I never asked in advance, nor did I request it to be mixed," and added, "I stopped arguing because people around were staring."
On the other hand, the vendor who sold the sundae expressed frustration in an interview with the media. The vendor stated, "I asked if he wanted it mixed with meat, and he said yes. After eating, he asked how much it was, so I said 10,000 won, and then he started cursing and tried to catch me like a rat."
The vendor further argued, "You can see from the menu that adding meat costs extra," and added, "So I told him, 'Then just pay 8,000 won,' and let him go."
Additionally, the market association raised suspicions, saying, "It seems the YouTuber approached deliberately."
In response, Mr. A said, "Upon checking the menu I received, there was no extra meat added. I simply got the basic 'large sundae' set," and explained, "The 'large sundae' includes sundae and intestines, while the 'assorted sundae' with added meat contains sundae, intestines, and head meat."
He added, "I paid 10,000 won by bank transfer, and the record remains. They double-checked at the end to confirm that I paid 10,000 won for the sundae. This is all captured in the original video."
He also remarked, "It's unfortunate if the market association's claim that the YouTuber approached deliberately is their official position," and added, "I didn't want to share such negative content, but I spoke up with courage."
Meanwhile, as the overcharging controversy at Gwangjang Market continues, the Jongno District announced plans to implement the Street Vendor Real-Name Registration System within the year. The district will grant occupancy permits for street stalls in Gwangjang Market based on the Road Act, clearly specifying the area and period of use. Permits will be issued annually, and inspections will be strengthened.

moon@fnnews.com Moon Young-jin Reporter