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Seoul Yongsan Raw Fish Restaurant Under Fire for Serving Bleach Instead of Sushi Vinegar
Bleach Accidentally Served Instead of Sushi Vinegar
A shocking incident at a popular raw fish restaurant in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, has sparked widespread controversy. Bleach, a strong chlorine-based disinfectant, was allegedly served to a customer instead of 'chodaeri,' the vinegar used for sushi. Netizen A, who visited the restaurant on the 5th, brought the incident to public attention by sharing it on social media. A claimed that after ordering sashimi and sushi rice, they mixed the accompanying liquid into the rice, believing it to be chodaeri, when a strong mop smell emanated. Upon verification, the liquid was confirmed to be bleach.
A immediately informed the restaurant staff, but the employee at the time reportedly offered only a perfunctory explanation, stating, "The vinegar and the container were switched, so it was served incorrectly," without an immediate apology. A added that when they demanded a formal apology, the employee responded with a frustrated attitude, saying, "I'm sorry. But how should I apologize?", displaying an inappropriate demeanor.
Restaurant Owner Issues Official Apology; District Office Conducts On-Site Inspection
A's post quickly spread across online communities and social media, bringing past hygiene-related reviews of the restaurant back into the spotlight and rapidly escalating the controversy. Ultimately, A formally reported the incident to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the Yongsan-gu Office.
As the controversy grew, the restaurant owner posted a handwritten apology on social media on the 9th, officially apologizing. In the apology, the owner stated, "I sincerely apologize to the customer who experienced discomfort and anxiety due to this incident," and admitted, "As the owner, I bear full responsibility for the occurrence of such an event in the restaurant," taking full responsibility for inadequate management. The owner also promised, "Moving forward, to prevent such an incident from happening again, we will comprehensively re-examine and thoroughly manage the restaurant's hygiene management and operational procedures." Currently, the Yongsan-gu Office has initiated an on-site inspection of the restaurant. The restaurant announced its plan to temporarily close both its main and annex buildings for a full inspection and staff training. A later added that an amicable agreement had been reached with the restaurant representative.
*Source: YouTube: YTN (2026-03-11)*
