[26.04.03] Three-Drink Embezzlement Controversy…Paikdabang Owner Withdraws Complaint, ₩5.5M Settlement Not Returned

“Cafe Owner Withdraws Complaint Over ‘Three Drinks Embezzlement’ Controversy in Cheongju”

📍Settlement of 5.5 Million Won Not Returned…Investigation Continues, Labor Ministry Expands Inspection

A controversy surrounding a franchise cafe in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province—where a part-time worker was accused of occupational embezzlement for taking discarded drinks—has taken a new turn as the owner has withdrawn the complaint. However, as the charge does not fall under offenses prosecuted upon complaint, the police investigation will continue. The case has escalated further, prompting a special labor inspection by the Ministry of Employment and Labor and an on-site review by the franchise headquarters, expanding into broader scrutiny of youth part-time labor conditions.

🔹 Complaint Withdrawn, But Investigation Continues

According to police, the cafe owner submitted a withdrawal of the complaint against the former part-time worker through legal counsel on April 2. The decision appears to have been influenced by rapidly worsening public opinion following widespread media coverage and online discussions.

However, occupational embezzlement is not a crime prosecuted upon complaint, meaning the investigation will proceed regardless of the withdrawal. Authorities plan to determine further الإجراءات based on the circumstances and severity of the case. There is also speculation that the case could be reconsidered for review by a minor offense committee.

The owner issued an apology through the media, stating that the decision had been short-sighted, but reportedly has no intention of returning the previously received settlement of 5.5 million won, which continues to fuel controversy.

🔹 “They Were Discarded Drinks” vs “Clear Embezzlement”

The incident dates back to October last year. The worker took three drinks worth approximately 12,800 won after preparing them before leaving work, leading the owner to file an embezzlement complaint.

The worker argued that the drinks were originally meant to be discarded due to preparation errors and that employees had routinely handled such items at their discretion with implicit approval.

The owner, however, countered that even discarded items required payment under internal policy and that employees had been informed accordingly. The act of taking products without authorization was therefore a clear violation of rules.

After reviewing both sides, police sided with the owner’s claim and referred the worker to prosecutors without detention. The case is currently under supplementary investigation following a request from prosecutors.

🔹 Additional Allegations and Settlement Dispute

The controversy expanded beyond the initial incident. Another store owner alleged that the worker had provided approximately 350,000 won worth of drinks for free to acquaintances and improperly accumulated customer loyalty points over five months.

The worker reportedly paid a settlement of 5.5 million won, raising questions about the fairness of the amount and the legitimacy of the agreement process. Claims that psychological pressure was exerted on the worker, who was a student preparing for college entrance exams, further intensified the issue, reframing it as a broader labor power imbalance concern.

🔹 Labor Ministry Inspection and Expansion of Oversight

The Ministry of Employment and Labor has launched a special inspection into the cafe. The decision was made considering both a filed workplace harassment complaint and the case’s significant social impact.

The inspection will focus on unpaid wages, compliance with full wage payment principles, and potential violations regarding overtime, night, and holiday work allowances. It will also examine possible illegal business practices such as workplace segmentation and broader labor law violations, including workplace harassment.

The ministry plans to expand inspections nationwide, particularly targeting industries with high numbers of young part-time workers, such as cafes and restaurants.

🔹 Franchise Headquarters Also Launches Inquiry

As controversy grew, the franchise headquarters initiated its own on-site investigation. While maintaining that it does not directly intervene in disputes between franchise owners and employees, the company is reviewing the situation to prevent further reputational damage.

The case is expected to have broader implications for the industry, highlighting structural issues in franchise labor relations, authority dynamics, and the clarity of internal policies.

One-line summary : The Cheongju cafe controversy over three drinks has expanded into a broader labor issue, with the investigation continuing and the 5.5 million won settlement not returned despite the withdrawal of the complaint.