Restaurant sparks outrage for using Choi Bool-am's burial site in promotion

A Gyeonggi Province restaurant has faced backlash for posting a promotional video on the 1st that used the late actor Choi Bool-am's burial site at Donghwa Gyeongmo Park to attract customers. The social media post, which appeared shortly after the actor's funeral procession on the 2nd, has been criticized for exploiting the deceased's final resting place for commercial profit.

A social media post from a restaurant using the burial site of the late actor Choi Bool-am as a promotional tool has sparked public outrage. Rather than mourning the final journey of the veteran actor, who was beloved by the nation, critics point out that the establishment attempted to attract customers by highlighting that his final resting place is located near the restaurant. Criticism is mounting that the death of an individual and the grief of his bereaved family were exploited for commercial promotion.

On the 1st, a restaurant operating in a region of Gyeonggi Province posted a promotional video on social media containing a photo of Choi Bool-am. The video featured the restaurant's name alongside the text, "Teacher Choi Bool-am will rest in eternal peace at Donghwa Gyeongmo Park in Tongil Dongsan, Paju." The establishment used the fact that the deceased's burial site is close to the area where the restaurant is located as promotional material.

In the post, the restaurant described Choi Bool-am as "someone who was as friendly and warm as a neighborhood uncle and has provided a good influence to our society for a long time." It further added that they feel grateful and honored that he will rest in eternal peace at Donghwa Gyeongmo Park in the neighborhood, stating, "We hope many people who desire special people and a special atmosphere will visit."

While using the language of mourning, the conclusion of the post led to promotional phrases intended to induce visits to the establishment. By placing the restaurant's name and an invitation to visit immediately after expressions that seemed to honor the deceased's life and social contributions, the business has found it difficult to avoid criticism for utilizing Choi Bool-am's final resting place for business. Reactions noted that the timing was particularly inappropriate as it follows immediately after the funeral.

Netizens who encountered the post did not hide their displeasure. Comments such as "Is this right?", "Is it not wrong to promote using someone's grief?", and "I should avoid that place" followed. It has been pointed out that connecting the atmosphere of mourning and condolences for the deceased to commercial profit has crossed the line. Some reactions suggested that the restaurant should have considered how promotion using the name and photo of the deceased could wound his bereaved family or fans.

Choi Bool-am passed away on the 29th of last month while receiving inpatient treatment at a hospital in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. He was 87 years old. Having received national love through dramas and variety shows over many years, he is remembered not only for his achievements as an actor but also for his sharing activities for children and youth.

In honor of his lifelong dedication to supporting children and youth, his funeral was held under the auspices of ChildFund Korea. During the funeral period, long-time fellow actors, junior entertainers, and figures from various fields visited the mourning site to offer their final farewells. The funeral procession was held on the morning of the 2nd, and his remains were interred at Donghwa Gyeongmo Park in Paju, Gyeonggi Province.

Choi Bool-am remained in the public memory for a long time by showing the face of a warm and reliable adult in his works. As a post utilizing his final resting place for restaurant promotion appeared immediately after his passing, criticism continues that even the meaning of mourning has been tarnished. It has been noted that the heart to honor the deceased and promotion for commercial profit must be clearly distinguished.

Read the original (Korean)