First customer questions if Jung Hyung-don's new restaurant is worth the visit

The first customer at Jung Hyung-don's new tonkatsu restaurant, Doni Doni Kaseukaseu, questioned the establishment's value on the 20th following a visit to the Seongsu-dong location. Despite decent food quality, the visitor noted high prices and a lack of differentiation compared to standard tonkatsu.

Broadcaster Jung Hyung-don (48) has opened a tonkatsu specialty restaurant, Doni Doni Kaseukaseu, which is drawing intense online interest immediately upon its official opening. While expectations were high due to his prominent connections in the entertainment industry and support from colleagues, the honest review released by a general customer following a visit differed significantly from the initial hype. Although the food itself received evaluations as being decent, concerns regarding the pricing and lack of differentiation have led to reactions questioning whether there is a reason to specifically seek out the establishment.

On the 20th, the YouTube channel Jaesulin Guide released a video titled " Honest Review of Jung Hyung-don's Tonkatsu Restaurant." The video features a visit to Doni Doni Kaseukaseu, operated by Jung Hyung-dong, where the creator tasted and evaluated the menu. Before the official opening, Jung Hyung-don invited acquaintances to sample the food, and interest in the shop grew as entertainment colleagues released related content. Following the start of official business, evaluations from general customers have begun to emerge.

Expecting a crowd on the opening day, the creator of the video visited the establishment around 9:00 AM, well before the 10:30 AM opening time. Contrary to expectations, there was no waiting line, and he entered as the first customer. Despite the anticipation of significant interest due to the restaurant bearing Jung Hyung-don's name, he was able to dine leisurely without waiting during this first visit.

The creator tasted as many menu items as possible. He ordered a total of four items, including two basic tonkatsu varieties, stir-fried kimchi tonkatsu, and cheese tonkatsu, to compare the flavors and textures. While one might expect a special taste or original menu items from a restaurant operated by a famous broadcaster, the actual evaluation was unexpectedly plain.

The evaluation of the food itself was not bad. The creator gave a positive assessment of the basic quality, stating, "Overall, the seasoning is not strong, the breading is crispy, and the meat taste is clean." He added, "It is not a great taste, but it is delicious in the sense that it is exactly the old-fashioned tonkatsu taste we know." He explained that rather than having stimulating flavors or radical cooking methods, it was close to a familiar and decent old-fashioned style of tonkatsu.

The stir-fried kimchi tonkatsu was cited as the most satisfying menu item. After comparing several dishes, he found this to be a relatively impressive choice. On the other hand, the cheese tonkatsu left something to be desired. The creator pointed out, "It was a bit disappointing because the cheese all spilled onto the plate while cutting it." However, he showed consideration for the fact that it was the official opening period, noting, "I think that is understandable since it is the first day."

The issue lay in the pricing and differentiation rather than the taste. The creator evaluated that "the overall price range seems a bit high." While the basic taste and cooking state of the food are decent, he questioned whether the restaurant possesses enough special charm to make someone take the time to visit specifically, considering the cost. He remarked, "Rather than going with the expectation that a great famous restaurant has opened, you can just think of it as 'Jung Hyung-don opened a tonkatsu shop'."

Following the release of the video, comments expressing disappointment have appeared online. Even taking into account the characteristics of the Seongsu-dong commercial district, reactions suggested that the quality, quantity, and originality of the food must be weighed against the price. It was pointed out that the hype surrounding a restaurant bearing a celebrity's name is not enough to satisfy consumer expectations.

Some netizens reacted by saying, "Look at how the cheese spilled under the cheese tonkatsu. It doesn't seem like a place you'd go out of your way to eat at," and "There seems to be no reason to go at all." Other opinions included, "It feels like a standard neighborhood tonkatsu that is 2,000 to 3,000 won more expensive due to the Seongsu premium," and "I wonder if it was worth opening a shop under his own name. It feels like there was no thought put into the food." The argument is that since the restaurant sells familiar menu items, it needs satisfaction beyond the price and its own unique identity.

Of course, this review is an evaluation based on the personal tasting experience of one visitor, and online comments do not represent the satisfaction of all customers. Particularly since it is the early stage of the official opening, it is difficult to judge the overall competitiveness of the establishment based solely on the cooking state of the first day. The cooking perfection of the cheese tonkatsu, satisfaction by menu item, actual portions, and service levels will need to be evaluated through the experiences of more visitors in the future.

Jung Hyung-don's tonkatsu restaurant drew interest from the start based on the celebrity's name and public recognition. However, in the food service industry, hype can be a factor that draws customers in, but it is not a factor that guarantees repeat visits. To secure sustainable competitiveness, the restaurant must provide taste, quantity, service, and a differentiated experience that matches the price paid by consumers.

Ultimately, the task for Doni Doni Kaseukaseu is to prove the charm of the restaurant itself beyond the name of Jung Hyung-don. The first visitor's evaluation left mixed impressions of decent taste and somewhat high prices. Whether the disappointment raised online remains a one-time reaction or leads to a common evaluation among actual visitors will depend on future operations and customer experiences.

Read the original (Korean)