SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - Lotteria, a popular South Korean fast-food chain, has unexpectedly found itself at the center of a political storm and social media frenzy after it was revealed that former and current military intelligence commanders secretly discussed martial law plans at one of its franchise locations.
According to the National Police Agency, Intelligence Commander Moon Sang-ho and former commander Roh Sang-won met at a Lotteria store near Sangnoksu Station in Ansan on December 1, just two days before the planned December 3 martial law declaration.
At the meeting, the commanders reportedly directed two colonels to “prepare for the upcoming martial law” and “secure the National Election Commission server."
The revelation has since triggered an outpouring of online satire. Social media users quickly turned the fast-food chain into a viral meme, creating AI-generated images of fictional burgers with names like “Martial Law Burger,” “Four-Egg Coup Burger,” and “Impeachment Burger.” Some online reviewers left comments describing the imaginary menu items as having “a taste worth selling the country for.”
The Sangnoksu Station Lotteria branch has been bombarded with over 100 one-star reviews, with users expressing mock outrage and leaving sarcastic feedback about the so-called “coup-themed menu.”
On mapping and restaurant review platforms, the satire has spread widely, marking a significant instance of how digital platforms are used to critique political developments in South Korea.
This is not the first time Lotteria has found itself entangled in controversy. The chain was previously linked to a political scandal in 2013 when it was revealed that members of the now-defunct Unified Progressive Party held meetings at one of its locations during a sedition case.
A spokesperson for Lotteria expressed frustration with the situation on Monday, stating, “We are very confused about being tied to such a political issue. The location in question is simply one of our franchises. Of course, we have no plans to release any related products.”
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