[Summary] "If they studied well, would they deliver?" Language academy staff's abusive remarks controversy... Academy states "After-school helper has already resigned"

"Would I have delivered if I studied well?" "Looks like a beggar" Harsh Remarks
Public Outrage Online... Netizens Criticize Apology as "Scapegoating"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-ju] A recording of a language institute instructor in Seoul making derogatory remarks about delivery workers, saying things like "If they studied well, would they be delivering?" has sparked controversy. The institute clarified, "The person is not an instructor but a shuttle assistant. They have been dismissed."

On the 2nd, a post titled "I am so shocked and angry that I am writing here" was uploaded on the online community 'Funny University' board.

The author, who introduced themselves as running a delivery agency, said, "One of our delivery workers experienced a very absurd incident yesterday. I want to ask for advice on what to do," and attached a 20-minute audio recording.

According to the author, on the 1st, a language institute employee, Mr. A, who ordered coffee through a delivery app, entered the wrong address and was charged an additional delivery fee of 3,000 won because the delivery worker had to deliver twice.

On the 2nd, a post titled "I am so shocked and angry that I am writing here" was uploaded on the online community Utgin University board. Photo by Utgin University board capture.

When the delivery worker requested the additional fee, Mr. A, who had no cash, said he would transfer the money via bank transfer and replied, "I'm busy now, so go downstairs and wait." The delivery worker waited outside on the first floor for about five minutes.

The delivery worker, who became anxious after receiving another order, went back up to the institute to request payment, and Mr. A, annoyed, said, "I'm busy, so wait," and paid the money.

Mr. A then called the delivery company and poured out ridicule and insults toward the delivery worker.

The recording includes statements such as "If they studied well, would they be delivering?" "Even if they do three deliveries, they only make about 10,000 won," "I make 10,000, 20,000, 30,000 won just by staying still," "What hardships do delivery workers have? They ride motorcycles, hang out, have tattoos, and listen to music, don't they?" "They do that job because they can't make money," "Is that how your parents raised you?" "If you were recognized by the company and made a lot of money, would you do that?"

The delivery company owner said, "Your words are excessive," "Please do not make demeaning remarks about human rights," and "Do you know how much they earn? Some make over 10 million won," to which Mr. A mocked, "10 million won after all that hardship? Sorry, I make 10 million won a week."

Mr. A continued with abusive language, saying, "You look like beggars," "The way you act is disgraceful. If you scam someone for 3,000 won, you think you'll become rich," and so on.

In the post, the delivery company owner questioned, "As a human being and a member of a family, do we have to endure such words? I wonder if we really made a mistake."

The post spread across online communities and sparked controversy. Netizens reacted with comments like "They should be publicly identified," "My hands trembled while listening to the recording," and "How can such a person deal with students?" expressing outrage.

As the controversy grew, Cheongdam Learning, the headquarters of the language institute, expressed regret.

Apology statement from Cheongdam Learning Language Institute. Photo by Cheongdam Learning.

On the 3rd, Cheongdam Learning stated, "This incident occurred at the April Language Institute Dongjak Campus and the person involved was confirmed to be a shuttle assistant, not an instructor. The employee worked as a shuttle assistant at the Dongjak Campus for about one month and resigned on February 2nd after their last shift on the 1st."

They added, "We regret that such an unfortunate incident occurred as the employee resigned on the 2nd, the day the incident happened. Both the headquarters and the franchise deeply regret this," and stated, "Taking this incident as an opportunity, the headquarters will work closely with the franchise to prevent recurrence and maintain a higher quality educational environment."

After the language institute's apology clarifying that the person involved was a shuttle assistant, netizens expressed skepticism, saying, "A hasty scapegoating," "They need to properly investigate whether the person was really an instructor or a shuttle assistant," "I listened to the recording and it doesn't seem like a shuttle assistant," and "Is a shuttle assistant someone to be underestimated?" expressing doubt about the institute's explanation.