[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Eun-young] The franchise owner of Tire Bank who deliberately damaged a customer's vehicle wheel and then recommended a replacement has released a handwritten apology letter. On the same day, the CEO of Tire Bank also issued an official statement saying, "On behalf of all employees, I sincerely apologize."
On the 23rd, Tire Bank posted an image of a handwritten apology letter from franchise owner A, who was recently accused of intentionally damaging wheels, on its website.
A said, "I offer my deepest apologies," adding, "I have nothing to say even if I had ten mouths. I will live my life reflecting on this forever."
He continued, "I tried to contact the affected customer several times to apologize, but since the calls were not answered, I sent a text message to apologize and ask for forgiveness," and stated, "I believe I must compensate for the mental damage the customer suffered as well. I will take full responsibility and protect this until the end."
He also said, "I feel truly pathetic and want to die as I leave, having caused disappointment and irreparable damage to everyone due to my wrongful actions," and "I apologize again."
On the same day, Kim Chun-gyu, CEO of Tire Bank, also posted an official apology.
CEO Kim stated, "The franchise contract in question has been immediately terminated, and we plan to file a complaint with the Gwangju Seobu Police Station," adding, "Since there was an attempt to sell through dishonest means, in addition to criminal liability, civil liability for damaging the brand image must be borne."
He also said, "A will be required to pay billions of won in compensation and may face personal bankruptcy," and "To prevent recurrence, we will take strict measures with a zero-tolerance policy and set an example through severe punishment."
CEO Kim’s apology appears to be a reiteration of the official stance after the incident severely damaged Tire Bank’s image.
Earlier, on the 21st, a post titled "I am reporting Tire Bank" was uploaded on the automotive community Bobae Dream, sparking controversy. According to the post, a franchise owner of a local dealership in Gwangju recommended wheel replacement, but vehicle owner B discovered through reviewing footage recorded on the vehicle’s black box that the owner had deliberately damaged the vehicle’s wheels. The vehicle owner has filed a complaint with the Gwangju Seobu Police Station against the business owner and the employee involved.
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