If your salary is less than 1 million won, don't come to our restaurant. Misunderstanding the date of controversy

Mar 07, 2025

If your salary is less than 1 million won, don't come to our restaurant. Misunderstanding the date of controversy
photo source=Instagram



The head of a high-end hot pot restaurant chain in China is being criticized for saying that people who earn less than 5,000 yuan (about 1 million won) a month should not eat at their restaurant. This amount is the average monthly wage for Chinese city workers.

In the face of controversy, he intended to `consume understated consumption in consideration of the financial situation.'", but the criticism does not seem to fade easily.

According to the Hong Kong media South China Morning Post, Du Zhong-bing, the founder of China's famous hot pot restaurant 「Banu Hot Pot」 recently attended a symposium in Sichuan Province,




"Our hot pot is not the food of ordinary people. If you earn less than 5000 yuan a month, don't visit my restaurant and choose malatang (a spicy hot pot typically available at a stall)."

Founded by the two representatives, Banu Hot Pot operates 140 stores across mainland China and is said to spend an average of about 200 yuan (about 40,000 won) per customer.

His remarks sparked controversy as they spread quickly online.




Then he misinterpreted the remark. As related industries develop, hot pot, which used to be cheap, is becoming more and more expensive, which may not be a positive trend. It also meant that companies should maintain their own positioning and define customer selection criteria", he explained.

He continued "My advice to those who are not in a stable financial situation, such as a fresh out of school earning only 5000 yuan a month, is to reconsider indulging in the high-end dining experience and not visit our store."," he added.

In the meantime, he said "We should invest in self-development instead of satisfying our desires. This was my true intention to speak. If my message was not clearly communicated, the responsibility for it rests with me.'




Despite his explanation, criticism continued online in China.

Netizens are advised that even those who earn 5,000 yuan a month have the right to enjoy expensive food", "Look arrogant.", "Customers have the freedom to choose. You're free to price your food high and we're free to choose cheaper food" be posting comments such as.



This article was translated by Naver AI translator.