Cheongju Cafe Owner Who Accused Part-Time Worker Says "We Did Not Think This Through"...Withdraws Complaint

Apologies Issued After Public Backlash: "We Did Not Think This Through"


Investigation into Embezzlement to Continue Despite Withdrawal of Complaint

The owner of a franchise cafe in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, who sparked controversy by accusing a part-time worker of occupational embezzlement for drinking three leftover beverages, has ultimately withdrawn the complaint. However, since the alleged offense is not subject to non-prosecution upon withdrawal of complaint, the police investigation is expected to continue.

In front of a Paikdabang store in downtown Seoul. This is a reference photo for understanding the article and is unrelated to the main content. Photo by Yonhap News.

According to police on April 2, the owner of a low-priced franchise cafe, identified as Mr. A, submitted a withdrawal of complaint to the Cheongju Cheongwon Police Station through his lawyer regarding his former part-time worker, Mr. B (age 21), that same day.

The widespread media coverage of this incident appears to have influenced a shift in public opinion. In connection with this matter, the Ministry of Employment and Labor has launched a special inspection into the cafe. Additionally, the franchise headquarters also conducted an on-site investigation.

Investigation Continues Despite Withdrawal of Complaint

Although Mr. A has withdrawn the complaint, the police investigation will proceed as planned. This is because occupational embezzlement is not classified as an offense subject to non-prosecution upon withdrawal of complaint. However, the police may reconsider referring Mr. B to the Minor Offense Review Committee, taking into account the withdrawal and other circumstances.

On the same day, Mr. A and another franchise owner, Mr. C, expressed their apologies in an interview with media, saying, "We are sorry. We did not think this through."

Part-Time Worker Accused Over Three Drinks: "To Discard" vs "Embezzlement"

Previously, Mr. A accused part-time worker Mr. B of embezzlement, alleging that on October 2 last year, at around 10:34 p.m., Mr. B left work after making and taking three drinks, including iced Americano, worth 12,800 won, without permission.

Mr. B argued, "All of those drinks were meant to be discarded due to mistakes during preparation. It has been customary for staff to handle discarded beverages, and the owner was aware and allowed this practice."

In contrast, the owner's side stated, "We have always informed employees that they must pay for drinks, even those set to be discarded. Our internal guidelines do not contain any provision allowing staff to dispose of drinks at their own discretion."

Coffee stock photo. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

The police determined that the charges were valid and referred Mr. B to the prosecution without detention. However, the prosecution requested further investigation to supplement the evidence, and the case was returned to the police.

Mr. C previously caused controversy after receiving a settlement of 5.5 million won from Mr. B, claiming that Mr. B provided acquaintances with free drinks totaling 350,000 won and credited customer points to his own account during about five months of work at his store.

Ministry of Employment and Labor to Inspect for Workplace Harassment, Wage Arrears, and Unpaid Allowances

Meanwhile, on March 31, the Ministry of Employment and Labor announced via a press release that it had received a complaint of workplace harassment connected to the branch in question and would conduct a special inspection.

During this inspection, the ministry will focus on whether there has been wage arrears, violations of the full payment of wages, or unpaid overtime, night, or holiday allowances at the branch, including through business splitting. The ministry will also investigate any other violations of labor-related laws, such as workplace harassment.

In particular, the ministry plans to check working condition compliance not only at the branch in question but also at other cafes in Cheongju with many part-time workers, and will conduct additional oversight if any violations are found.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.