Convenience Store Part-Timer's Embarrassing Affectionate Acts... "Punishment Is Difficult"

Part-time Worker Continued Physical Contact Even with Customers Present
"I Did It Because I Was Happy to See My Boyfriend"
Lawyer: "It's Not Easy to Charge for Obstruction of Business"

A convenience store part-time worker was caught on closed-circuit television (CCTV) calling her boyfriend during work hours and engaging in affectionate behavior multiple times, sparking public outrage.

On the 30th, JTBC's 'Sageon Banjang' aired a story featuring convenience store owner Mr. A, who experienced an absurd incident. According to the report, Mr. A, who runs a convenience store in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, recently hired a part-time worker, Ms. B, for a short-term period due to his poor health.

[Image source=JTBC 'Sageon Banjang']

However, a few days later when Mr. A returned to work, he received complaints from customers. Customers said things like "The part-time worker did not greet customers," and "She did not respond when asked anything," criticizing Ms. B's attitude.

Finding this strange, Mr. A checked the CCTV footage from the period when he was away. In the video, Ms. B was seen hugging and kissing a man presumed to be her boyfriend while organizing items. She also put her arm around the man's neck and even kissed him without caring when customers entered. Ms. B's behavior continued throughout the three days she worked.

Mr. A also said, "The man with Ms. B checked the CCTV location and then moved with her to a blind spot, where they did not appear for over five minutes."

Mr. A showed the CCTV footage to Ms. B and asked for an explanation, but Ms. B reportedly replied, "My boyfriend came, so I was happy." Furthermore, Ms. B showed a defiant attitude, telling Mr. A, "Please stop it. Why are you doing this?"

Netizens who learned of this incident have raised their voices in criticism against Ms. B. They responded with comments such as, "There should be a proper time and place for physical affection," "I worry that hardworking young people will be criticized along with her," and "If she does not even respond when customers come in, doesn't that mean she has no intention to work?"

So, can Ms. B's actions be legally punished? Lawyer Park Ji-hoon, who appeared on the broadcast, said, "It is not easy to charge her with obstruction of business."

Lawyer Park explained, "Obstruction of business requires acts such as spreading false information, using deception or coercion, or exercising power. Ms. B's actions do not fall under these categories." However, he added that internal disciplinary action for neglecting work duties might be possible.