A large cafe in Jeju Island, known to be operated by a famous celebrity, has been reported to have illegally used about 1,800 pyeong of national land, and the cafe has stated that it is not related to Koyote member Baekga.
On the 3rd, KBS News reported, “It has been confirmed that a large cafe operating in Jeju has illegally converted forest land, and Seogwipo City has requested an investigation.”
According to the report, the cafe is known to be popular as it is operated by a famous celebrity, and there are parking lots, walking paths, and sculptures around the cafe. However, a field investigation by Seogwipo City last month revealed that about 6,000 square meters of forest land had been illegally converted.
Subsequently, netizens speculated that the cafe in question might be the one opened by Baekga in Seogwipo. Baekga had mentioned in a 2022 entertainment program, “I invested in a cafe with a friend,” and “I spent about a year and two months going to Jeju every day, paying attention to every detail of the interior.”
However, the contract between Baekga and the cafe ended last April, and it is reported that Baekga was only involved in the interior and gallery operations and was unaware of the land issues.
In this regard, the cafe emphasized through multiple media outlets, “It seems that the police investigation should come first,” while also stating, “Currently, there is no relation to Mr. Baekga. We confirm this once again.”
Seogwipo City has requested the autonomous police to investigate the damage to the land by the cafe, and plans to issue a restoration order depending on the investigation results.
Meanwhile, Koyote, to which Baekga belongs, is currently on a nationwide tour titled ‘2025 Koyote Festival,’ starting from Daegu in September. They are scheduled to continue the tour in Ulsan on November 15, Busan on November 29, and Changwon on December 27.
[Lee Da-kyum, Star Today reporter]
