Actor Lee Dong-gun’s Jeju Island cafe closure in July 2026 sparked local backlash over a neglected pond, with neighbors alleging health risks and financial damage. The agency claimed the space was cleared, but a viral video showed stagnant water and debris, reigniting scrutiny over the project’s management.
Actor Lee Dong-gun’s Jeju Island cafe, opened in April 2025 with a 200 million won loan, closed abruptly in July 2026, leaving a once-popular spot in Aewol-eup in disarray. A viral YouTube video titled Lee Dong-gun Also Failed and Left: Don’t Even Dream of Harsh Jeju Life
highlighted the abandoned pond, now choked with algae and debris, prompting accusations of environmental negligence from nearby residents.
The Abandoned Pond and Local Outcry
The video, uploaded by the channel Kang Ho’s Foot TV,
depicted the outdoor pond at Lee’s former cafe, “Oasis80,” as a breeding ground for insects. The equipment is such a waste,
one commenter wrote, while another claimed the neglected site caused severe damage to families living and operating cafes nearby.
The videographer noted stagnant water and fallen leaves, warning of potential health hazards. If you’re going to fail, at least clean up before leaving,
a netizen added.
Lee’s agency responded by stating the cafe had already been completely cleared out
and that a fashion brand had occupied the space since August. We have no way of knowing what happened afterward,
the representative told Maeil Business Newspaper (MK). However, the video’s release reignited scrutiny, with residents alleging the pond’s poor maintenance harmed their businesses. The damage to families who live next to them and run cafes is too severe because of the bugs,
a commenter claimed, though the authenticity of the statement remained unverified.
Agency Denials and Conflicting Narratives
Lee’s team maintained the cafe had ceased operations in July
and that legal procedures were completed. A fashion-brand store has already been operating at the site since around the end of last July,
they said, according to starnewskorea.com. The agency also noted plans for a Seoul location but provided no details. However, the video’s imagery contradicted these claims, showing unattended pottery jars, sculptures, and a pond still filled with debris.
Broader Context: Jeju’s Struggling Cafe Market
The controversy unfolded amid a broader decline in Jeju’s cafe industry. According to the Honam Regional Statistics Office, the number of coffee drink shops fell 2.8 percent from 2,180 in 2024 to 2,123 in May 2026. The Honam Regional Statistics Office reported Jeju’s small business closure rate at 11.1 percent as of 2023, the second-highest in South Korea. The reality of glamorous Jeju cafe startups seems different,
one netizen wrote, reflecting the island’s economic challenges.
Lee, who divorced actress Jo Yoon-hee in 2020, has faced ongoing scrutiny since the cafe’s closure. His recent role on JTBC’s “Divorce Camp” drew mixed reactions, with ratings fluctuating after his debut episode in July. Critics questioned his suitability for the show, given his personal history and the cafe scandal. Even Lee Dong-geon failed and left. Don’t even dream of living in harsh Jeju,
the YouTube video’s title warned, encapsulating the public’s frustration.
As of September 2026, no official updates have emerged about the cafe’s fate or potential legal action. The Honam Regional Statistics Office’s data suggests Jeju’s cafe market remains under pressure, with the 2.8 percent decline underscoring the challenges of sustaining businesses on the island. For Lee, the fallout from the abandoned project adds to a string of controversies, including his divorce and recent TV appearances.
