25.07.14.Today News : "Wash the Cup Yourself" — Restaurant’s Warning Sign Sparks Online Backlash

"Wash the Cup Yourself" — Restaurant’s Warning Sign Sparks Online Backlash

• Harsh language on a notice banning glass cup use for traditional drinks draws criticism for tone, not intention

A restaurant’s notice restricting the use of glass cups for certain beverages has sparked online controversy, with many criticizing its confrontational tone despite understanding the reasoning behind the message.

"유리컵을 사용하고 싶으면 직접 설거지하세요." 라는 내용이 담긴 안내문이 논란이다.

Photos of a sign posted in a restaurant, captured in front of a UV sterilizer, have gone viral on social media. The notice divides the sterilizer into separate sections for glass and stainless steel cups, stating, “Glass cups are for soft drinks and alcohol only. Do not use them for Sikhye or Sujeonggwa.”

What caused the stir, however, was the language used in the latter part of the notice. It reads: “You know what a glass cup is, right? Don’t pretend you don’t. If you want to use one, wash it yourself.” It continues, “Inconsiderate you — it’s all caught on CCTV. We can see everything. I’m tired of saying it. Don’t use it.”

The restaurant owner appears to have posted the sign due to recurring misuse by customers who ignored previous warnings and used glass cups for sugary traditional drinks, which reportedly leave difficult-to-clean residue. Still, many online commenters found the tone unnecessarily aggressive.

Critics on social media commented, “The message makes sense, but the wording is intimidating,” and “Even if it’s meant to protect hygiene, this reads more like a threat than an announcement.”

The sign has also been discussed on small business forums, where fellow restaurant owners voiced concern. “It’s okay to be firm, but this comes off as disrespectful to customers,” one comment read. Another warned, “If customers feel disrespected, they simply won’t come back. That hurts the business in the end.”

Some users, however, empathized with the owner. “Dealing with uncooperative customers repeatedly can push anyone to the edge,” one post read, acknowledging the challenge of balancing customer service with operational frustration.

While the restaurant’s name remains undisclosed, the incident has fueled ongoing discussions about tone in customer-facing communication and the importance of maintaining respect alongside clear guidance.

One-line summary : A restaurant's sign restricting cup use sparked backlash due to its aggressive wording, drawing criticism despite its reasonable intent.