A franchise cafe owner who had filed an embezzlement complaint against a part-time worker for allegedly taking three drinks without permission has released an apology. But the apology targeted at "apartment residents" has rekindled controversy online.
On Apr. 8, a statement released by a franchise cafe owner, identified as A, in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, spread on social media.
In the statement, A said, "I sincerely apologize to the apartment residents," adding, "I bow my head for causing concern over a recent matter related to our store. I am posting this to correct misunderstandings and to share my honest feelings."
A continued, "At the end of May last year, I faced such severe difficulties due to the sudden resignation of part-time workers that it became impossible to operate the store," adding, "At the time, another store owner gave me great help by sending part-time workers from that store. Thanks to that, I got through the crisis, and I received help again when a similar situation recurred at the end of September."
A also said, "In early October, when the student who had helped quit, I heard that the owner in question had been reported to the police. Because that owner had given me great help, my desire to help came first and I made a wrong decision," adding, "I was compelled to file a complaint, but I was prepared to withdraw it at any time if the student acknowledged the mistake and apologized."
A added, "What I want to make clear here is that I had no intention whatsoever of blocking that student's future or trampling on their dreams," and said, "I have now withdrawn all complaints against the student. There was absolutely no demand for or receipt of money or valuables, which many people were concerned about."
Finally, A apologized, saying, "I once again sincerely apologize to the apartment residents and the student for the hurt caused by my complacent judgment and clumsy response," and added, "I will take this as an opportunity to reflect on myself and strive to show greater responsibility as a member of the local community."
However, internet users are criticizing the owner for apologizing to residents rather than to the part-time worker.
Internet users are reacting by saying, "It looks like a statement posted just to keep the business going," "It seems like shifting responsibility to another store," and "The party who should clarify their position and apologize is the part-time worker."
At the store in question, a part-time worker in their 20s was reported to police last October for allegedly taking three drinks worth 12,800 won without permission after finishing work. Although the complaint has since been withdrawn, occupational embezzlement is not a crime prosecutable only upon complaint, so police are still looking into the case.