
Actor Lee Dong Gun is gaining attention for his bright smile and clean-cut look as he thrives in his latest role as a café owner in Jeju. While the café is enjoying early success, some neighboring businesses have voiced concerns about its impact on the local community.

On May 2, Lee uploaded a photo to his personal social media account without any caption. In the picture, he appears in a barista uniform, smiling warmly as he greets customers. Compared to a previous post on April 27 that showed his rugged facial hair, his freshly shaven appearance drew praise from fans for enhancing his good looks.
Lee opened the café in Aewol-eup, Jeju Island, on April 13. He prepared for the launch gradually, even taking out a 200 million KRW loan as revealed through his appearance on the SBS variety show 'My Little Old Boy.' The café quickly gained popularity, with long lines forming on its opening day.
One visitor shared that the café was beautifully designed but completely full during their weekend visit. They added that despite the long wait, everyone seemed excited to catch a glimpse of Lee Dong Gun and take photos with him, making the wait enjoyable.
However, some local café owners expressed dissatisfaction with how the business was introduced to the neighborhood. On April 16, a nearby café owner posted on social media that construction noise continued until 11 p.m., causing sleep disturbances. Another local business owner reposted the message and criticized Lee’s team for not notifying residents ahead of time, especially considering that the schedule was adjusted for television filming.
Although the owners acknowledged the positive effect on local business, one commented that it was not about losing customers. Instead, they said it was more frustrating to witness a lack of basic courtesy from someone benefiting from the area’s support.
Lee Dong Gun married actress Jo Yoon Hee in 2017, and they had a daughter together. The couple divorced in 2020. He currently appears on the SBS entertainment program 'My Little Old Boy.'
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