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Seoul cafe removes ‘No Chinese’ Instagram bio after rights probe

November 05, 2025

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The Straits Times

A cafe in Seoul’s Seongsu-dong has deleted its controversial Instagram bio declaring it does “not accept Chinese guests” after the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRC) launched an investigation into alleged racial discrimination.

The cafe, identified as Permanent Habitat, became the centre of public backlash in October after posting the message “We're sorry. We do not accept Chinese guests.”

The post quickly spread across South Korean and Chinese social media, sparking heated debates over racism and anti-China sentiment just days before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

According to the NHRC, a formal complaint was filed accusing the cafe of discrimination against Chinese nationals.

The commission subsequently interviewed the owner and recommended the removal of the post. The owner then signed a written pledge to delete the message, which was taken down by noon on Nov 2.

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