South Korea. A restaurant in the city of Yeosu has sparked controversy by refusing to serve solo diners. A sign on the door offered four 'options' for those dining alone: 'Pay for two meals, eat two meals, call a friend, or come back with your wife next time. Please don't come alone'. The post, shared on November 17th, garnered 30,000 views and sparked a heated debate. Most patrons criticized the restaurant's management. One online follower said: 'If the owner is willing to bear the financial loss, that's his choice and it should be respected'. This is not the first time restaurants in Korea have been exposed for discriminatory practices against solo diners, known as 'honbabs'. In July, a woman visiting a restaurant in Yeosu was subjected to rude comments from staff who urged her to 'eat quickly' because 'more customers are coming', despite her ordering two meals. Earlier this year, another restaurant went viral for a sign prohibiting solo diners from using social media while eating. In recent years, the number of single-person households in South Korea has risen, with their proportion in the capital, Seoul, increasing from 29.5% in 2015 to 39.3% in 2023, according to a report. One user wrote: 'The owner's mindset seems old-fashioned'. Another wondered: 'Why do we equate eating alone with feeling lonely?', while a third said: 'The restaurant does not appreciate its customers'. However, some people did not object to the restaurant. Meanwhile, in China, many restaurants welcome solo diners by offering individual meals. Experts say China is embracing a thriving 'single economy' that targets single people in sectors such as food, real estate, social media, education, and home appliances.