Learn Korean: Chatting with Hotel CEO on Social Media

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Korean Reading Practice

"언니에게 입덕" 이부진과 카톡 대화 공개한 학부모.....

Date: February 17, 2026

Introduction

This reading lesson discusses a recent news story about a school parent who had a friendly chat with Lee Bu-jin, the CEO of Shilla Hotels & Resorts, and shared the conversation on social media. The text explores the reactions to this incident and provides some cultural context.

Vocabulary

Korean Romanization Meaning Example
학부모 hakbumo parent 학부모들이 모여서 이야기했습니다.The parents gathered to discuss it.
공개하다 gonggyehada to disclose, to reveal 그들은 대화 내용을 공개했습니다.They disclosed the conversation content.
반응 banling reaction 사람들의 반응이 다양했습니다.People's reactions were mixed.
민원 minwon complaint 그는 호텔 민원에 대해 이야기했습니다.He talked about the hotel complaint.
예약하다 yeyakhada to reserve 그녀는 수영장을 예약하려고 했습니다.She tried to reserve the pool.
실수 silsu mistake 실수로 잘못 예약했다고 말했습니다.She said she made a mistake in the reservation.
개선하다 gaeseonhada to improve 이번 기회에 개선하기로 했습니다.They decided to improve it this time.
힐링되다 hillingdoeda to be healed 그녀의 말에 제가 힐링되었습니다.I was healed by her words.
paen fan 이제 저는 완전 팬이 되었습니다.Now I'm a complete fan.
화답하다 hwadaphada to respond 이 사장님은 그 말에 화답했습니다.The CEO responded to that.

Reading Text

오늘 많은 온라인 커뮤니티에서 "이부진과 같은 학교 학부모가 공개한 카톡"이라는 제목의 게시물이 올라왔습니다.

Today, many online communities posted articles with the title "A school parent like Lee Bu-jin revealed their KakaoTalk conversation."

작성자는 호텔 민원과 관련해 이부진 사장과 대화를 나눈 뒤, 그 내용을 SNS에 올린 것으로 알려졌습니다.

The author reportedly had a conversation with CEO Lee Bu-jin regarding a hotel complaint, and then posted the content on social media.

문자 내용에 따르면, A씨는 당시 실외 수영장을 예약하려다가 실수로 실내 수영장만 예약했다고 합니다. 이에 이부진 사장에게 도움을 요청했습니다.

According to the text messages, Mr. A had tried to reserve the outdoor pool but accidentally only reserved the indoor pool, so he asked CEO Lee Bu-jin for help.

이부진 사장은 "당연히 해야 할 일"이라며 "얼굴이 예쁘다니, 제 나이에 힐링된다"고 화답했습니다.

CEO Lee Bu-jin responded, "It's just something I should do," and "Your face is pretty, it's healing for someone my age."

A씨는 "얼굴도 예쁘고 말도 예쁘고 따뜻하게 해주시고 완전 팬 됐다"고 말했습니다.

Mr. A said, "You're so pretty, your words are so nice, and you're so warm, I'm now a complete fan."

이번 기회에 이부진 사장은 "저희도 개선하기로 했다. 남은 방학 즐겁게 보내시라"고 덧붙였습니다.

On this occasion, CEO Lee Bu-jin added, "We also decided to improve it. Enjoy the rest of your vacation."

이번 사건에 대한 사람들의 반응은 엇갈리고 있습니다. 일부는 이부진 사장의 친절한 태도를 높이 평가했지만, 다른 이들은 학교 운영과 관련된 문제라고 지적했습니다.

People's reactions to this incident have been mixed. Some highly praised CEO Lee Bu-jin's kind attitude, while others pointed out that it was an issue related to school operations.

Grammar Points

-기로 하다 decide to

Attach -기로 하다 to a verb stem to express a decision or plan to do something. Means 'decided to do.'

📖 이번 기회에 이부진 사장은 "저희도 개선하기로 했다. 남은 방학 즐겁게 보내시라"고 덧붙였습니다. On this occasion, President Lee Boo-jin added, "We have also decided to make improvements. Enjoy the rest of your vacation."

✏️ 우리는 매일 아침 운동하기로 했어요. We decided to exercise every morning.

-지만 but / however

Attach -지만 to a verb or adjective stem to express contrast: 'but' or 'however.' It connects two clauses with opposing ideas.

📖 일부는 이부진 사장의 친절한 태도를 높이 평가했지만, 다른 이들은 학교 운영과 관련된 문제라고 지적했습니다. Some highly praised President Lee Boo-jin's kind attitude, but others pointed out that it was a matter related to school management.

✏️ 이 음식은 맛있지만 너무 비싸요. This food is delicious, but it's too expensive.

Cultural Notes

In Korean culture, it is not uncommon for parents to have direct communication with school administrators or even business leaders to address issues related to their children's education or school environment. This incident reflects the close-knit nature of Korean communities and the high level of involvement parents have in their children's schooling.

Source: 네이버 뉴스 | Original Article
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📝 Comprehension Questions

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Q1

Why did the parent contact CEO Lee Bu-jin?

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Q2

How did Lee Bu-jin respond to the parent?

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Q3

What did the parent say about Lee Bu-jin?

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Q4

What did Lee Bu-jin say about improving the situation?

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Q5

What were the different reactions to this incident?

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