Don Spike defends 99,000-won restaurant price: 'It's all-you-can-eat barbecue'

Composer and broadcaster Don Spike, who served prison time after being convicted on drug charges, has responded to criticism over the pricing at his newly opened restaurant.

Don Spike posted on his social media recently, saying the restaurant "is not a fine-dining establishment" and that while it follows a course-style format, it "is closer to an all-you-can-eat barbecue place."

Don Spike opened the restaurant in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, after his release from prison. The eatery offers a single menu centered on steak as the main course, priced at 99,000 won per person, with unlimited access to a salad bar included.

The controversy grew after reviews from diners began circulating online. Customers noted that the bread served as an appetizer was burnt and that the salad bar offered only a small selection — salad, caprese and soup. While the steak and pasta drew praise for their taste, reviewers questioned whether the course format justified the price.

As the backlash mounted, Don Spike pushed back against the fine-dining comparisons, saying the restaurant is closer to an all-you-can-eat barbecue spot. "Because we serve beef galbi slow-grilled with care over a long time and let guests eat as much as they like, the price is not cheap," he said. He added that the salad bar "is not meant to be elaborate — it is a self-serve setup where guests can comfortably help themselves to vegetables, bread and the like."

"We may fall short of the attentive service you would expect at a fine-dining restaurant, but we are doing our best to make sure guests leave in good spirits," he said.

Don Spike opened the barbecue-focused restaurant in Gampo-eup, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, in September. The restaurant operates on a reservation-only basis and restricts entry to children under 8 years old, citing safety reasons.

Don Spike built his public profile as a composer and variety show personality, earning a wide following before he was indicted on charges of purchasing and using methamphetamine between 2021 and 2022. He was sentenced to two years in prison and released in February 2024 after completing his sentence.