29 Cases Last Year Alone... More Than Major S Corporation
It has been revealed that there have been 63 cases of approved industrial accidents at the well-known bakery cafe "London Bagel Museum," where allegations recently surfaced regarding the death of an employee in his 20s due to overwork.
According to data submitted by Assemblyman Lee Hakyoung of the Democratic Party of Korea from the Korea Workers’ Compensation and Welfare Service on October 30, a total of 63 industrial accident claims were filed and approved at London Bagel Museum workplaces from 2022 through September 2025.
By year, there was 1 approved case in 2022, 12 in 2023, 29 in 2024, and 21 in 2025 (as of September), showing a steady increase each year. Since these statistics are based on the initial applications for medical care benefits to the Korea Workers’ Compensation and Welfare Service, the actual number of incidents is estimated to be higher, as not all industrial accidents may have been reported.
Notably, the number of approved industrial accident cases at London Bagel Museum last year (29 cases) was higher than that of S Corporation, a major player in the bakery industry, which had 11 cases. By type, occupational accidents accounted for the majority with 60 cases, while commuting accidents and occupational diseases were also reported last year and this year.
London Bagel Museum has faced criticism since July, after allegations arose that an employee in his 20s, identified as Mr. A, who worked at the Incheon branch, died from overwork after working nearly 80 hours per week. The bereaved family claims that Mr. A worked more than 80 hours in the week before his death and averaged over 60 hours per week for the preceding three months. In response, the Ministry of Employment and Labor has launched an emergency labor inspection of all London Bagel Museum branches.
Assemblyman Lee Hakyoung emphasized, "More accidents are occurring at cafes where young people are working than expected," and added, "Since the Ministry of Employment and Labor is conducting a special inspection, additional checks related to workplace safety are needed to ensure a safe working environment."
Meanwhile, London Bagel Museum, which opened in Anguk-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul in September 2021, quickly gained popularity as a so-called 'bagel mecca.' It currently operates seven branches in Seoul, Incheon, Jeju, and other locations.
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