Seoul Restaurant Owner Denies Dog Abandonment Allegations Amid Social Media Firestorm
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- A Seoul restaurant owner is refuting claims that they abandoned a dog in their establishment.
- The owner stated the dog was left temporarily due to internal business issues and was cared for by their husband.
- Social media posts alleging the dog's poor condition and the restaurant's unsanitary environment have gone viral.
A controversy has erupted on social media concerning a popular Seoul restaurant, reportedly frequented by a famous singer on YouTube. Allegations surfaced that the restaurant owner abandoned a dog within the premises, sparking outrage among netizens who shared images and videos of the animal alone in the seemingly empty eatery.
Accusations detailed the dog's poor physical condition, with concerns raised about its eyes and legs, and described a foul odor and hot temperatures inside the restaurant due to poor ventilation. Some commenters recalled previous visits where the dog appeared unmanaged, even urinating in the dining area and climbing on tables. The restaurant, which had promoted itself as 'pet-friendly,' faced criticism for its alleged lack of proper care for the animal.
In response to the mounting backlash, the restaurant owner issued a statement vehemently denying the abandonment claims. They explained that the dog was left in the restaurant, which was temporarily closed due to internal matters, because there was no other suitable place. The owner asserted that their husband had been present to care for the dog and that they had managed its needs regularly. The owner also shared past photos of the dog on Instagram, expressing affection and attempting to clarify the situation, stating that the dog was taken by the owner on the night the controversy peaked.
Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.