Actor Lee Dong-gun’s newly opened cafe on Jeju Island is off to a booming start, but its early success has also drawn complaints from neighboring business owners.

Lee recently shared photos and a message on the cafe's official social media, writing, “We had people lining up from Day 1. Thank you to everyone who waited. This is a space for rest and relaxation — a small oasis in an alley, with handmade sandwiches, coffee and desserts. We hope it becomes a place you can always come back to when you need a break.”

The cafe, converted from a residential house, features a unique atmosphere with a tropical design and striking night views accentuated by palm trees and ambient lighting.

Last year, Lee shared the behind-the-scenes process of launching the cafe on the SBS variety show "My Little Old Boy," revealing that he had taken out a 200 million won loan (about $145,000) to fund the project and sought business advice from comedian Kim Jun-ho and cafe industry experts.

At the time, Lee cited the downturn in drama production as a factor in pursuing the venture, saying, “A project I was cast in was delayed, and the number of productions has decreased overall.”

However, shortly after the cafe’s opening, some neighboring business owners voiced their frustration on social media. Complaints included late-night construction noise disrupting their homes and disturbing pets, and allegations that customers were using private parking spaces without permission.

Lee’s cafe has quickly become a hot spot thanks to celebrity promotions and TV coverage. While some local business owners worry that the area’s commercial activity is becoming overly concentrated around one establishment, others say the cafe has boosted foot traffic and brought more tourists, leading to increased sales for the surrounding shops.

How Lee’s team addresses the concerns and collaborates with the local community is expected to be a key issue going forward.

 

Source : https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/amp/lifestyle/people-events/20250418/lee-dong-guns-new-cafe-in-jeju-draws-crowds-and-complaints-from-neighbors

Comprehension

Where is Lee Dong-gun’s newly opened cafe located?
What type of food and drinks does the cafe offer?
How did Lee describe the cafe in his social media message?
What design features make the cafe visually unique?
How much money did Lee borrow to open the cafe?
What variety show documented the process of opening the cafe?
What reason did Lee give for starting a business?
What complaints did neighboring businesses raise after the cafe’s opening?
How did some local businesses benefit from the cafe’s popularity?
What issue is likely to be important moving forward regarding the cafe?

Discussion

Do you think celebrities have an advantage when opening a business? Why or why not?
Should business owners be responsible for how their customers behave, such as where they park?
How can Lee Dong-gun respond to complaints from neighboring business owners?
What do you think makes a cafe attractive to customers?
Would you visit a cafe just because it was opened by a celebrity?
How important is it for new businesses to consider the surrounding community?
What challenges might celebrities face when moving into the food or service industry?
What are the pros and cons of turning a residential house into a commercial space?
Do you think TV promotion plays a big role in the early success of businesses?
How would you handle conflict with neighbors if you were running a small business?

Vocabulary

Booming – Growing or developing quickly and successfully.
Cafe – A small restaurant where you can buy drinks and light meals.
Oasis – A peaceful, pleasant place, especially in contrast to the surroundings.
Converted – Changed from one use or form to another.
Ambiance – The mood or atmosphere of a place.
Downturn – A decline or decrease in business or economic activity.
Disrupting – Interrupting or causing problems in normal activities.
Allegations – Claims or accusations without proof.
Foot traffic – The number of people who walk into or pass by a place.
Collaborates – Works together with others for a common goal.