In an apartment complex in Suncheon, Jeollanam-do, the management initially tried to charge delivery drivers a fee for using the common entrance and elevator, but withdrew it amid a 'power abuse controversy'.
According to the Suncheon city and the management office of a certain apartment in Haeryong-myeon on the 19th, the apartment decided to charge delivery drivers a deposit of 50,000 won for the common entrance card and a usage fee of 5,000 won (50,000 won annually) starting last month.
The apartment management reportedly requested the fees considering the security of moving-in households and the inconvenience of elevator use.
Some drivers had to pay a total of 100,000 won for the deposit and annual usage fees, feeling like they were 'being forced to do something distasteful'.
As this information became known through recent internet bulletin boards, public opinion erupted with comments like, "It is excessive to charge a 'toll' while expecting deliveries to the front door of the house."
In response to the wave of criticism, the apartment management decided not to charge any expenses in the future.
A representative from the apartment management office said, "We tried to impose the fees as a means of encouraging cautious use, given that other complexes also charge usage fees and there are concerns about security issues for households and potential damage to common entrances and elevators."
Suncheon city sent official documents to all apartments, recommending that they refrain from charging fees, considering the local image and the hardships of delivery drivers.