Comedian and TV host Jung Hyung Don has stepped into the food business with a pork cutlet specialty restaurant in Seoul’s trendy Seongsu-dong district, but the grand opening didn’t quite go as planned. The restaurant, named Donidoni Katsukatsu, opened on October 20th and immediately drew a wave of harsh reviews from visitors who stopped by on day one.
Jung Hyung Don (Credits: Koreaboo)
Expectations were high going in. A YouTube channel uploaded an “Honest Review” video on opening day, and the operator arrived early, expecting a long line of eager customers. Instead, he found nobody waiting and walked in as the very first customer of the day.
He ordered three dishes: the basic pork cutlet, a stir-fried kimchi pork cutlet, and a cheese pork cutlet. His verdict? Familiar and mild. “The seasoning is not strong, and the batter is crispy. It’s not extraordinary, but it tastes just like the ‘old-fashioned pork cutlet’ we know,” he said. The stir-fried kimchi version was the standout of the meal.
The Drawbacks
Not everything earned praise. Cutting into the cheese pork cutlet sent cheese oozing onto the plate, and the price left the reviewer feeling it was “somewhat burdensome.” His summary was blunt: don’t come expecting a fantastic restaurant — just think of it as Jung Hyung Don opening a pork cutlet place, and stop by casually if you’re curious.
The video sparked a flood of reactions online. Many commenters echoed the price complaint, saying the meal “doesn’t seem worth going out of your way to eat” and that it tastes no different from a neighborhood pork cutlet joint while costing more just for the Seongsu-dong location. Others criticized the presentation and said a restaurant carrying Jung Hyung Don’s name needs stronger, more distinctive appeal.
Supporters Push Back
Not everyone is piling on. Plenty of netizens voiced support for the TV personality’s new venture, noting that opening-day jitters are normal and every restaurant deserves time to find its footing. With mixed reviews pouring in, all eyes are now on how Donidoni Katsukatsu evolves from here.
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Source: Koreaboo — read the full story there.
