The first entry where I ever mentioned them: 6/27/16
"idkwtf i was eating
it was from Seoul Street. Was some kind of Korean street food place
whatever
it was awesome"
it was from Seoul Street. Was some kind of Korean street food place
whatever
it was awesome"
The rest is history.
Hi, welcome to my blog, where sometimes I go on tangents about how amazing Seoul Street is.
It's been a decent 4 years watching them grow.
I've gone through old entries trying to find some photos of them to share. Just because I'm so fond of them.
I came across Seoul Street at the night markets. Their booth was tall, their signage colorful and stood out among the rest. And the food on it look bomb.
Over time, as I kept revisiting their booth every time the night market was around, they'd remember me, and I was more than happy to be their patron.
They were at cons too. I think some of these are from K*con.
But every chance I got the opportunity to share their food with other people, I'd take it.
Until one day, they finally did it.
They took root in their own little shop, in Irvine. I couldn't believe it. And when they told me, I was ecstatic for them.
We came to support them as soon as we could. And it kept going like that for a while.
So what was I keeping my mouth shut for?
Last month when I went to see them, they told me news about having to pick up and leave.
After all their hard work and dedication in trying to find a location they could settle in for a while, they have to leave. I was gutted.
Why?
The owner decided that it's a better idea to have a deli shop, that sold soups and sandwiches. And their type of food just wasn't gonna work out.
I just look at them with a skeptical glare... and they nodded, reaffirming my thoughts.
What's worse is that the business that was there before them sold sandwiches and soups....
So this guy, this old white guy (i don't do this usually but there's no sugarcoating it) is kicking them out because Asian food isn't good for business during COVID-19. To put it bluntly. That's exactly what's happening. There was no room for negotiation, nothing. No offer for renewal. He just wants them gone, to be replaced with "American" food. And I wanted to run over to the leasing office and be rude, but they were closed, and I don't do that, but I wanted to.
Chicken was there with me. Disgusted and at a loss for words. It was unbelievable and yet not surprising at the same time. I was so angry for them. All they can do is try to stay strong in this and leave with the hope that the next thing will be better. And it will be. But to leave like this is a gross reminder that people are infuriatingly really, really stupid- not just ignorant, because ignorance at least can be remedied... but to willfully remain ignorant, and to perpetuate divisiveness over business and property like that? To dismiss a family owned business who are Korean in the middle of this pandemic... that's so fucked. The Kims don't deserve that.
They told me not to say anything. We were one of the first people they told. So... I didn't.
The drive home was bitter. Angry.
Today, Chicken told me to check Seoul Streets instagram- as they finally made the announcement. I've been off the social media grid, but opened the browser to check in, and read it.
You can see it for yourself, if you've ever had their stuff and know how amazing it is, and how amazing they are. They don't go into the detail that I do, but know that it wasn't their choice to leave Irvine. But it's also really great to see that they are relocating to another location in Long Beach, and are expecting to return to Irvine as well.
I made this post as a reminder that behind closed doors, racism is happening in all kinds of ways. Some you see and hear about, some you don't. And it pisses me off especially when it happens to people who are kind and hardworking. What did they do besides feed happy bellies with their delicious food?
Fuck that place. Fuck that guy. The leasing manager at that strip is a racist POS and they deserve better.
So.
Looks like I'll be checking out Long Beach next month. But not before I get my Seoul Street fix this weekend.
I implore you, if you are in the area, check them out. You won't regret it.