“Free soju and beer during mourning period for late Choi Bool-am”... Criticism pours in over promotional post by restaurant near burial site

[Financial News] A promotional post offering free soju and beer to people who visit a restaurant near the burial site, in tribute to the late actor Choi Bool-am, has sparked outrage among internet users.
On the 2nd, a promotional post by a restaurant operating in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, was shared on social media (SNS). The restaurant said, “Mr. Choi Bool-am will be laid to rest tomorrow at Donghwa Gyeongmo Park in Tongil Dongsan, Paju, our neighborhood,” then paid tribute to him, saying, “We are truly grateful and honored that he, who was friendly and warm like an uncle from the neighborhood and had a positive influence on our society for a long time, will rest in peace at Donghwa Gyeongmo Park in our neighborhood.”
But the post went on to say, “From November 2 to 8, during the mourning period, we will provide customers with one bottle of soju and one bottle of beer for free,” and disclosed the restaurant’s name and location. It also included phrases such as “Located five minutes from Donghwa Gyeongmo Park” and “We hope many people who want to spend time with special people in a special atmosphere will come,” along with the hashtag “#PajuRestaurant.”
The post prompted questions about whether the restaurant was using the pretext of mourning the deceased—and its proximity to the burial site—to promote itself with offers such as free alcoholic drinks. Internet users have responded, “Did they really have to use grief like this?” and “They’re posting this as a promotion? I’ll avoid this place for the rest of my life,” among other comments. Criticism has poured in accusing the restaurant of using the mourning of a beloved national actor as a business tool.
In response, the business said in a comment on the post, “I posted it because I felt glad and proud that the place where he will rest in peace is Donghwa Gyeongmo Park in our neighborhood. Depending on how you look at it, it could be misunderstood.” It added, “I didn’t post it to help business; it’s something I’ve routinely posted two or three times a week,” and said it would respectfully decline visits to the restaurant from people who viewed the post negatively and commented on it.
Meanwhile, the late Choi Bool-am passed away on October 29 while receiving inpatient treatment at a hospital in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. He was 87. After the funeral procession and funeral Mass were held on the 2nd, he was laid to rest at Donghwa Gyeongmo Park in Paju.
[email protected] Kim Hee-sun Reporter