A 1,050-Won Snack Taken from Office Fridge Leads to Trial... Judge and Attorney Both Say "Is This Really Necessary?"

A Truck Driver Fined 50,000 Won for 'Theft'
After Eating 1,000 Won Worth of Snacks from Office Fridge
Judge: "Times are tough, but do we really have to go this far?"

"To be honest, if you look at the facts of the case, it's about taking a 400-won Choco Pie and a 650-won custard and eating them..."

At the first appellate hearing for the theft case of Mr. A (41), held on September 18 at the Jeonju District Court Criminal Division 2 (Presiding Judge Kim Dohyeong), the judge commented with an awkward expression, "Times are tough, but do we really have to go this far?"

Previously, Mr. A, a truck driver at a logistics company in Wanju County, North Jeolla Province, was indicted for taking a 400-won Choco Pie and a 600-won custard from the refrigerator in the company office at 4:06 a.m. on January 18 last year. He claimed, "My fellow truck drivers usually said, 'There are snacks in the fridge, so feel free to eat them.'" However, the first trial court found that he had intent to commit theft and sentenced him to a fine of 50,000 won.

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After reviewing the case records, Presiding Judge Kim let out a wry laugh but said, "That aside, since a verdict was reached in the first trial, I will examine in this appeal whether the charge of theft is valid."

Mr. A's attorney stated, "The reason we brought this case to the appellate court, even though the amount involved is small, is because we believe there is a problem with how it was handled." He continued, "The location of the incident is an office with a water dispenser next to the refrigerator containing the Choco Pie and custard, and anyone could come and go freely." He emphasized, "Even the CCTV footage shows the defendant entering the office without hesitation."

He added, "Drinks and snacks are items placed in a public area, so requiring explicit permission for each and every item seems unreasonable..." He shook his head, saying, "If he had really intended to steal snacks, he would have taken the whole box, not just one Choco Pie and one custard." The attorney scratched his head, remarking, "Honestly, it's hard to see what the issue is... It's difficult to understand how intent to steal can be established when people are told to eat snacks if they're hungry."

In response, Presiding Judge Kim said, "While the defendant's actions were not malicious, I will review whether there are any legal issues." He accepted both witnesses requested by the defense that day. The next appellate hearing is scheduled for October 30.