VIP Macarons on Bare Feet... Department Store Employees' 'Absurd Prank'

Department Store Side "Some Employees' Inappropriate Behavior... We Apologize"

Several department store employees were filmed playing pranks by placing snacks meant for customers on their bare feet, and the video was posted on social networking services (SNS), sparking controversy. / Photo by Internet Community Capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] A video showing department store employees playing pranks by placing snacks meant for VIP lounge customers on their feet has sparked controversy after being posted on social networking services (SNS).

The video was recorded through an Instagram live broadcast. It was filmed on the 12th floor lounge of Galleria Department Store in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, on the 29th of last month, capturing two employees at work. In the video, they are seen stacking macarons, which are provided to VIP customers, on their bare feet as a prank. Eventually, the macarons fall to the floor.

As the video spread across some online communities, netizens expressed outrage. Comments included, "I can't understand putting food meant for people on feet," "How bold to post such a video on SNS," and "There are all kinds of people," showing disbelief.

Amid growing controversy, the department store posted an apology notice at the lounge entrance and sent apology text messages to customers.

In the apology, the department store stated, "We apologize for causing concern due to inappropriate behavior by some employees and lack of operational management," adding, "Those employees have been immediately removed from their duties, and the lounge operation has been temporarily suspended."

They continued, "During the reorganization period, we will return with a renewed appearance through hygiene management, service retraining, and internal environment improvements," emphasizing, "We will also humbly accept customers' criticism and prevent recurrence of similar incidents through sharing, education, and strengthened management for all employees."

According to multiple media reports, the individuals who posted the problematic video were employees dispatched from a service company, and the misconduct occurred while the supervising staff was away.

Currently, the department store has terminated contracts with the involved employees. Additionally, as part of measures to prevent recurrence, CCTV will be installed in the lounge, and employee training will be reinforced.