“Police visited twice today alone.”
On the night of the 16th, at the gopchang restaurant run by DJ DOC’s Lee Ha-neul in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, Lee Ha-neul was seen on a DJ table playing music for his guests. People inside were filming with their phones, while some passersby stopped in front of the shop to peek inside.
According to MHN Sports, police were dispatched to the restaurant twice that day following civil complaints. At the time, Lee Ha-neul had been DJing and live streaming for about an hour and thirty minutes starting from the evening.
This sparked reactions from some netizens, who questioned, “Is this the right way to operate a general restaurant?”, “Isn’t this practically an entertainment venue?”, and “Is this becoming another controversy?”
In fact, this restaurant was previously at the center of a controversy in February when footage of Lee Ha-neul and Jung Jae-yong singing together during actress Kim Gyu-ri’s fan meeting was released. At the time, suspicions of Food Sanitation Act violations and rumors of business suspension spread online regarding the operation of the general restaurant.
To get a better look, MHN Sports visited the site to observe the actual atmosphere.
The vibe on-site differed somewhat from the “club-like image” being discussed online. While music was playing, most guests were simply eating, and some were taking photos with Lee Ha-neul or filming his live stream. The volume of the music heard from the outside did not significantly exceed the level of a typical restaurant.
Lee Ha-neul was also seen personally visiting tables to grill meat, pour drinks, and chat with his guests, just as he had appeared in his live broadcasts.
However, opinions remain divided on having a DJ in a general restaurant. It is reported that some residents have filed complaints, feeling inconvenienced by the repeated music broadcasts and the crowding of guests.
Under the current Food Sanitation Act, general restaurants are classified as businesses that cook and sell food. While there is no clear regulation prohibiting the simple playback of music or the owner playing music themselves, administrative action can be taken if the business induces guests to dance or sing, or if it effectively operates as an entertainment bar.
Legal experts also often distinguish between providing music in a general restaurant and allowing entertainment activities. The installation of entertainment facilities and whether dancing or singing by guests is permitted are cited as key criteria for judgment.
Regarding the police visit, Lee Ha-neul told MHN Sports, “Since business is doing well, many complaints come in even about minor details.” He added, “The police told me to be careful on-site, but I don’t think the term ‘caution’ is appropriate since I did nothing wrong.”
“Personally, I viewed it as a situation closer to a request for cooperation,” he explained. “The police left after confirming the situation on-site.”
He also revealed that he has been paying even more attention to the way he operates since the previous controversy.
“Because there were reports regarding hygiene, I spent tens of millions of won to upgrade the facilities,” Lee Ha-neul said. “I am also DJing at a level that does not cause harm to the neighborhood.”
He added, “The city and district offices have checked the site several times, and I am operating after sufficient consultation with a lawyer.”
Specifically, Lee Ha-neul explained, “I understand that the act of a restaurant owner playing music is not immediately illegal. However, I am managing it with a lawyer to ensure that guests do not dance or operate in a way that disturbs the surroundings.”
As for why he DJs, he explained, “DJing is not just a performance, but an extension of ‘time spent enjoying with the guests.'”
“Listening to music I love and chatting in that atmosphere is what I consider romance,” he said. “I wanted to create memory-like moments for the guests who visit.”
While he stated, “If I am actually causing harm or if there is a legal problem, I obviously think it should be improved,” he also noted, “I feel that some of the current complaints are being excessively over-interpreted.”
During the reporting, citizens passing by were seen greeting Lee Ha-neul or requesting photos.
Meanwhile, Lee Ha-neul’s side is pursuing legal action against some “cyber wrecker” YouTubers who spread false information regarding the “business suspension” rumors that had circulated online.
“I am already taking legal action against some YouTubers who spread content that is different from the truth,” Lee Ha-neul said. “Anyone can have a different perspective, but I decided that malicious false rumors are hard to overlook.”
