"Not Even Stealing"... Student's Defense for 'Sweeping Up' Snacks at Study Cafe

Students Taking All Snacks Cause Business Owners Headache
After Dispute, Student Sends 10,000 Won, Then Retaliates with Complaint

A story has been shared about a study cafe owner who is struggling because students are sweeping up all the free snacks provided to users.

Inside a study cafe unrelated to the article content [Photo by Asia Economy]

On the 24th, a post from Mr. A, who runs a study cafe, was uploaded to the self-employed online community 'Apeunikka Sajangida' (Because It Hurts, I'm the Boss).

Mr. A wrote under the title "Is this theft?" saying, "The snack bar snacks are labeled for consumption inside only, but one student swept up all the snacks inside the cafe." He revealed text messages exchanged with the student, stating that he told the student, "I will report this to the police," and "If you think this is theft, pay 10,000 won." He added, "(I) didn’t have to charge for the snacks, but I felt this student needed to be taught a lesson, so I charged him."

According to the text messages, when Mr. A told the student, who was not answering calls, "Are you very busy? I will report this to the police," the student argued, "I thought it was okay to take the snack bar snacks," and asked, "How is this theft?" Mr. A replied, "If you think it’s theft, transfer 10,000 won. If not, take responsibility for what happens next. No negotiation." The student responded, "I will transfer after school," and then sent 10,000 won.

It seemed the situation was resolved, but Mr. A said, "I just got another call where they were loudly complaining, 'Are snacks really worth 10,000 won?'" He also said, "Five of them came together, smoked cigarettes, and went back and forth, so I refunded them and asked them to leave." Mr. A added, "The kids are now gathering and taking turns calling and texting." He expressed concern, saying, "I’m scared of what kind of harm they might do," and "I don’t know if I should just calm them down and let them go."

Netizens who read the post responded with comments such as, "Where did their conscience go?" "You should just call the school and report to the police," "This should be reported as business obstruction," and "This is probably why some study cafes don’t accept middle and high school students."