A large café in Jeju Island, which became popular for being operated by a celebrity, has sparked controversy after it was found out to be illegally using state-owned island.
KBS News on the 6th reported, "A large café in Seogwipo City that gained popularity about 3 years ago for being owned by a celebrity was found to have illegally converted approximately 6,000 square meters of forest land for commercial use."
The report stated that the area surrounding the café building included a pleasant walking trail, a large parking lot, swings, and other structures built for the convenience of visitors. Most of the plots around the main building were originally forest land.
As a result, Seogwipo City requested the police to investigate the forest damage. The café operator explained, "We realized late that it was considered illegal land conversion. We tried to fix it, but we couldn't due to our financial circumstances."
The celebrity, referred to as A, who had previously served as the co-representative of the café stated, "My contract ended in April of this year. I am no longer involved in the café's operation. When the café was initially being developed, I was only in charge of interior design. I was unaware of issues regarding the land."
Seogwipo City plans to issue an order for restoration based on the police investigation results.
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