"A Man Can Be Like That... It's Nothing" District Mayor Defends 'Power-Abusing Official' Against Business Owner

Daegu Jung-gu Office Officials' Chicken Restaurant Power Abuse and Threat Controversy
'Prostrating Apology', Considering Closure Due to Public Backlash
District Mayor: "Men Can Act Like That When Drinking"

After suffering from the abuse of power by Daegu Jung-gu Office officials and even considering closing his chicken restaurant, the owner expressed disappointment following a meeting with the Jung-gu mayor. On the 30th of last month, a post titled "After the Chicken Restaurant Incident with District Office Staff" was uploaded on the self-employed community 'Because It's Painful, I'm a Boss.' The author, Mr. A, began by saying, "The incident became an issue, and I have been worrying every day and losing sleep."

[Photo by online community 'Apeunikka Sajangida']

Mr. A stated, "After the issue was publicized, I received apologies from the abusive officials, but it felt like a forced apology to save face." He added, "I tried to reopen the business, but nearby merchants whispered, 'Why make such a big deal when you could have quietly let it go?' So, I decided to leave."

He then shared details of a recent meeting with the district mayor. It is known that on the 28th of last month, Mr. A met with Jung-gu Mayor Ryu Gyu-ha, accompanied by the head of the audit team and others. According to Mr. A, during the meeting, Mayor Ryu defended the officials by saying, "From the perspective of someone drinking alcohol, I think it's possible to pour beer on the floor. Our staff found it hard to drink and ended up pouring it on the floor. Men, when drinking, sometimes endure out of pride but may eventually pour it on the floor."

He reportedly added, "If there had been even a 1,000 won trash can, this wouldn't have happened. The owner is young, so that's why. If an older person ran the place, they would have just let it go, thinking 'They can't drink, so they poured it out.' Our staff have a point." When Mr. A mentioned he was considering closing the business, the mayor reportedly responded, "It's nothing serious, so keep running the business. Our staff say the chicken is delicious, and I'll even help sell it, so please continue."

When asked about the delay in disciplinary action, the mayor reportedly replied, "There is an order to the disciplinary process. Since a criminal complaint was filed, disciplinary action will follow after that."

Sharing these details, Mr. A lamented, "If that's the case, why did they issue an apology? I regret requesting a meeting with the mayor, and now I feel scared of people. I thought the mayor would be different, but it seems like 'the crayfish sides with the crab.' What should I do now? I really see no answer."

Netizens who read the story sympathized with Mr. A, commenting, "Just go somewhere else. That area seems hopeless," "They treated a self-employed person like a subordinate," and "It's bitter." However, some criticized Mr. A, saying, "Disciplinary procedures take time in any company, but I worry the incident is being blown out of proportion."

Earlier, in mid-last month, it was revealed that two Daegu Jung-gu Office officials visited Mr. A's chicken restaurant, deliberately spilled beer, and verbally abused the owner. They threatened, saying, "I'm a district office employee here; no one in the neighborhood doesn't know me. I'll ruin your business right away," and "Do you know who I am?" Although they later apologized during another visit, their apology was controversial because one had both hands on his waist, and the other stood with arms crossed.

Daegu Jung-gu Office announced on the 27th of last month that it had reported the officials to the police on charges of intimidation. A Jung-gu Office official explained, "We conducted a thorough investigation based on statements from the officials and have completed the first round of investigation. After the police investigation results come out, we will decide on the disciplinary measures for the officials involved."