'Paris Korean Restaurant Opens' Kim Eojun Warns: "I Won't Stand By If You Target My Business"

Kim Eojun: "Will Respond to False Reports with Financial Penalties"

Broadcaster Kim Eojun has announced legal action against media outlets that have raised suspicions about the source of funds for the Korean restaurant he opened in Paris, France.

Kim Eojun explaining the dish to a customer. Provided by local Korean residents.

On July 6, through his YouTube channel "Kim Eojun’s News Factory—Humility is Hard," Kim shared news of his Paris restaurant’s opening. He remarked, "We finally opened, but reporters came to visit." He then criticized, "From my perspective, being a reporter is either an occupational hazard or simply an illness."

Kim directly refuted the suspicions regarding the source of funds. "People are saying that the money sent abroad to set up the restaurant might be slush funds," he said, adding, "Why would I siphon money overseas? It’s money I earned legitimately and I have nothing to be ashamed of. If there’s something to spend on, I’ll spend it here."

He also mentioned his history of being scrutinized by previous administrations. "You never know when or how those in power might investigate me. Do you think I wasn’t investigated under the Lee Myungbak, Park Geunhye, and Yoon Sukyeol administrations?" he said, adding, "I’ve already been through it all—I’m like a glass wallet now."

Kim revealed that opening a restaurant in Paris had been a longtime dream. Targeting certain media outlets, he said, "Some people seem to think the world is only about politics and corruption. That’s a foolish notion."

He expressed a firm stance against false reports. "I don’t mind criticism of my claims, but if anyone targets the business I run with my colleagues and friends, I won’t sit idly by," he emphasized. "For every single won of damage caused, I will seek 1 million times that amount in financial compensation."

On June 30 (local time), Kim officially opened the Korean restaurant "Vendredi Gourmand" near Luxembourg Station in the Latin Quarter of Paris’s 5th arrondissement. It is a contemporary Korean restaurant that offers modern reinterpretations of traditional Korean sauces. "Vendredi Gourmand" means "Gourmet Friday."

It is reported that on the opening day, Kim personally greeted guests with reservations and attended to orders and service on the floor.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.