A sashimi restaurant in Huam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, which was introduced as a “must-visit spot” on singer Sung Si Kyung’s YouTube channel, is currently embroiled in a growing controversy. The restaurant is accused of abandoning a pet dog during its closing process. While the owner explained that it was an “unavoidable situation,” public criticism continues to mount.
On the 2nd, posts began spreading across SNS and various online communities claiming that a 14-year-old dog was left behind as the shop closed its doors.
The posts included images of the dog staring out the door from inside the darkened shop, along with testimonies about the poor environment. The author shared, “The dog was shivering so badly that I laid down some clothes before leaving,” adding that “the smell is terrible and there are many bugs because there is no ventilation.”
Another witness added, “My heart broke after seeing the scene in person,” noting that “it seems a nearby resident takes the dog in to care for it at night.”
Notices were posted on the shop’s glass door stating, “A dog has been abandoned in this closed space” and “This has been reported to the district office,” with a warning that “the interior is like a steamer during the day.”
As the controversy grew, netizens’ criticism extended to the “Meok-eul-ten-de” video in which the restaurant had previously appeared.
Some users strongly reacted, leaving comments such as, “Shouldn’t this video be taken down too?” and “Was the dog just used for marketing?”
In particular, many questioned how a dog they had raised for 14 years could be left like this, pointing out that the senior dog was essentially abandoned. There are also concerns that the dog could be euthanized if the rescue is delayed. Some posts requested help, stating, “The electricity is cut off, so the indoor temperature is high and the dog’s condition is worsening.”
As the controversy intensified, the owner shared their position via a personal account. They explained, “Since there was nowhere else to leave the dog, I left it in the shop, which I judged to be relatively safe, and my husband stayed there to look after it.”
The owner further clarified, “I had no choice but to be away for the past few days to handle the business closure,” adding, “I will resolve the situation as quickly as possible.”
