25.12.02.Today News : Prosecutors drop appeal in ‘1,050-won chocolate pie theft’ case... Acquittal upheld

‘1,050-Won Snack Theft’ Case Finalized as Not Guilty After Prosecution Drops Appeal

📍A 41-year-old worker, once charged for taking snacks worth 1,050 won, clears his name after two years as prosecutors accept the appellate court’s ruling.

The so-called “modern-day Jean Valjean” case, in which a worker was prosecuted for eating a choco pie and custard snack worth 1,050 won at Hyundai Motor’s Jeonju factory, has concluded with a final not-guilty decision. Prosecutors accepted the appellate court’s ruling and withdrew their intention to appeal to the Supreme Court, ending the two-year-long case and completely clearing A’s name.

The so-called ‘modern-day Jean Valjean’ case, where a man was controversially charged with theft for eating a Choco Pie and custard, has finally been confirmed as not guilty.

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🔹Case Concludes with Not-Guilty Verdict After Public Outcry
The controversial case involving A (41), who was charged with theft for consuming snacks worth 1,050 won, has officially ended with a not-guilty judgment. The prosecution’s withdrawal of its appeal solidifies the appellate court’s ruling and fully exonerates A.

The Jeonju District Prosecutors’ Office announced on the 2nd that it had “reviewed the appellate judgment thoroughly” and decided not to appeal, stating that it respected the court’s decision.

🔹Appellate Court Overturns Conviction Citing Lack of Criminal Intent
On November 27, the appellate court overturned the first trial’s 50,000-won fine and ruled A not guilty. The court stated that A may have reasonably believed he had permission from delivery drivers or coworkers to eat the snacks, and that it was difficult to see clear intent to commit theft.

The judges also noted that it could not be definitively concluded that accessing the refrigerator was strictly prohibited, further weakening the basis for theft.

🔹Defense: “Outcome Would Not Change Even at Supreme Court”
A’s attorney argued that the ruling would remain unchanged even if the case proceeded to the Supreme Court and urged the prosecution to refrain from filing a mechanical appeal. Many legal observers also criticized the indictment as excessive given the trivial monetary value involved.

🔹A’s Statement: Gratitude Mixed with Disappointment Toward Management
Following the acquittal, A expressed gratitude toward the court while revealing disappointment toward the contracting structure that led to the case.
He said, “The fact that a long-standing workplace practice suddenly became a crime is difficult to accept,” and added that workers should not have to suffer again under similar circumstances.

🔹Internal Concerns Within Prosecution About Social Backlash
Prosecutors initially opted for a summary indictment with a 50,000-won fine, but as public criticism grew, the case was referred to a citizens’ committee, which recommended a suspended sentence. Internal concerns increased that appealing a case symbolic of “1,050-won theft” after a not-guilty ruling would trigger even greater backlash.

🔹1,050-Won Snack That Became a National Issue
A was indicted for consuming a choco pie (450 won) and a custard snack (600 won) from the workplace refrigerator. While the financial amount was minimal, a guilty ruling would have caused A to lose his security work certification under the Guard Act, effectively leading to termination — a major factor behind the national attention.

One-line summary : The prosecution dropped its appeal in the 1,050-won snack theft case, finalizing the appellate court’s not-guilty ruling and fully clearing the worker’s name after two years.