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Conversation between a Japanese woman and an accommodation provider (Source: online community; no resale or redistribution) |
[Alpha Biz= Ellie Kim] Authorities in Busan have launched an investigation after a local accommodation provider sparked controversy by responding with abusive language to a reservation inquiry from a Japanese tourist.
According to a report by Yonhap News Agency on June 9, a Japanese woman, identified as A, who described herself as a fan of BTS, recently booked a stay at a lodging facility in Busan. She later shared on social media that she was subjected to verbal abuse when she contacted the provider to ask about check-in procedures.
A reportedly inquired about details such as check-in instructions, the location of the elevator, and whether her reservation could be automatically canceled.
Instead of providing answers, the accommodation responded with profanity and told her to cancel the reservation.
The tourist subsequently booked another property and is said to have reported the incident to the reservation platform.
As the controversy escalated, the Busan metropolitan government began investigating the case, including identifying the lodging facility involved.
Separately, ahead of the upcoming BTS concerts scheduled for June 12–13, some accommodation providers in Busan have come under fire for alleged overpricing and unjustified reservation cancellations.
The city government has stated it will take firm action against such practices. It also warned that it will actively cooperate with the police in cases where bookings are canceled unilaterally and resold at higher prices, while urging the central government to promptly revise relevant laws, including the Tourism Promotion Act and the Public Health Control Act, to address the issue at its root.
Alphabiz Ellie Kim 인턴기자(press@alphabiz.co.kr)
