The video was first posted on Oct. 2. In the clip, one cook says, “This fish has been dead for a week and has a greenish slime layer, but it will be fine; once cooked, customers can still eat it.” The two laugh and add, “Customers can eat it, but employees can’t.”

On Oct. 4 the cooks posted an apology. They said the video was only for fun, that no fish with green slime was actually used, and they would never repeat the stunt. They also removed the video.

Korean Broadcasting System reported the story, calling it “Video mocking Koreans causes outrage.” After the report, many Koreans asked the government to act, saying the issue concerns food safety and hygiene.

Some social‑media users wrote they would avoid restaurants that employ foreign workers. Others reminded that fish can stay alive for a week to half a month (7‑15 days) before being brought ashore, but this does not apply to raw dishes like sashimi.

Experts note that the video does not show whether the fish was really spoiled or served to customers. Because the clip cannot prove the fish’s condition, the public’s fear is based on the claim, not on verified facts.