A Complete Summary of the Uju Tteokjip Controversy! Merchandise Prices, Work Attitude, and Ratings

If we're talking about the most talked-about issue in the variety show scene these days, it's undoubtedly the story of tvN's "Wooju Tteokjip"! The combination of the "Jirak-i" (Lee Eun-ji, Mimi, Lee Young-ji, and Ahn Yu-jin) garnered massive anticipation even before it aired. However, ever since they relocated from their first location in Goheung, Jeonnam to their second location in Yeonhui-dong, Seoul, harsh criticism has been pouring in across online communities. Let me pinpoint and summarize the three key issues explaining exactly why the reaction has turned so cold!

 

1. Controversy over exorbitant prices of pop-up store merchandise

The first thing to explode was the excessively high prices of the pop-up store merchandise.

- Goods at Store No. 2: One apron costs nearly 40,000 won, and one keyring is around 25,000 won.
- Pop-up Store Goods: Short-sleeved T-shirt 39,000 won, Random doll 25,000 won, Random mini keyring 17,000 won

 

Back when we were at the first branch in Goheung, there was a heartwarming charm to the members making rice cakes themselves from dawn and chatting casually.

 

However, as soon as it arrived in Seoul, it transformed into a completely commercial pop-up store atmosphere, sparking disappointed reactions among netizens such as "It reeks of money" and "The healing vibe I felt in Goheung has completely vanished."

It is said that many people were dissatisfied with the fact that they didn't actually sell rice cakes at the pop-up, but only expensive character goods.

2. Insufficient preparation for actual operations and controversy over work attitude

 

The second issue is the store operation system shown on the broadcast and the work attitude of some of the cast members.

- Lack of preparation by the production team: Because they were thrown in with a "figure it out yourselves" attitude without any systematic practical training or guidelines, the store became a total mess. Furthermore, since it was a two-story store, there was no consideration for movement patterns to the extent that people said the cast members' knees were going to give out.

- Consecutive serving and ordering mistakes: Due to insufficient bill checking, mistakes were repeatedly made where entire orders were missed or food was served to the wrong tables.

- Inadequate response: It is a legitimate restaurant where customers pay to eat, yet after mistakes, instead of offering a sincere apology, staff were frequently caught laughing it off or acting flustered, treating customers without any genuine sincerity.

- Difference in cast reactions: While the eldest sister, Lee Eun-ji, caused frustration among viewers by laughing and chatting to liven up the atmosphere even after mischecking the bill, Karina, who joined as a part-timer, received positive reactions for her exceptional work ethic and serious attitude.

3. Ratings plummet helplessly despite Karina's addition

With the controversy over commercialism compounded by poor on-site management, the viewership ratings are in crisis.

- Rounds 1–2: 2.9% -> 3.0% (Smooth start)
- Karina the Part-timer Makes Her Appearance: Highly Anticipated, but Drops to the 2.2% Range Due to Controversy
- Subsequent trend: Unable to avoid a decline in viewership ratings amidst continuous criticism

It seems that even with the inclusion of a glamorous guest like popular idol Karina, it was insufficient to stop the downward trend in viewership ratings because the basic concept itself failed to resonate with the viewers.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

 

Q1. Is 'Wooju Tteokjip' a different program from 'Jigu Arcade'?
A. Yes! Space Rice Cake Shop is the second official spin-off variety show of tvN's Earth Arcade. It is based on the concept that the Jirak characters, having fallen into Torong's scheme, are forced to work at a rice cake shop.

 

Q2. Can I still visit the second branch in Yeonhui-dong?
A. Since the store operated only for the broadcast filming and pop-up period, normal business operations have now ended.

 

Q3. Was there any clarification from the production team?
A. Regarding the controversy over the overworking of the cast and poor management, the production team explained, "The members' ability to handle work was better than expected, and they were so dedicated to the business that they practiced on their own even after the cameras were off."

 

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