Prosecution Drops Appeal, Legal Acquittal Finalized
Public Outrage and Labor Rights Issues Draw Widespread Attention
The so-called "Choco Pie theft case," which sparked social controversy after an employee was prosecuted for allegedly taking 1,050 won worth of snacks from a logistics company office refrigerator, has ultimately ended in acquittal as the prosecution decided not to appeal.
On December 2, the Jeonju District Prosecutors' Office stated, "After reviewing the appellate court's ruling, we have decided to respect the court's decision." The office added, "We will continue to listen to the voices of the public and faithfully carry out our duties."
As a result, Mr. A (41), a security company employee who was indicted for taking a 450-won Choco Pie and a 600-won Custard from the refrigerator of a logistics company office in Wanju, North Jeolla Province, in January last year, has been legally acquitted.
This case drew criticism from the local community for what was seen as excessive exercise of judicial authority, as it went to court despite involving only a small amount of 1,050 won. Local labor groups and citizens pointed out that this was an example of demanding excessively harsh punishment for a subcontracted employee and criticized the prosecution's initial indictment. The case was also addressed during the National Assembly's audit of government affairs.
Mr. A was summarily indicted for theft after eating snacks from the office refrigerator during an overnight shift in January last year.
He claimed, "It was customary for anyone to eat snacks from the refrigerator," and requested a formal trial. However, in the first trial, he was fined 50,000 won. After the first verdict was reported in the media, online commentators reacted by saying that punishing someone for taking snacks worth about 1,000 won was excessively harsh. The case was also discussed during recent audits of the Jeonju District Court and the North Jeolla Provincial Police Agency.
Afterwards, the prosecution convened a citizen committee and, accepting its recommendation, requested a suspended sentence. However, the appellate court acquitted Mr. A.
The court stated, "Given that the defendant may have been told by delivery drivers that it was permissible to eat snacks from the refrigerator, it is difficult to definitively conclude that there was intent to commit theft."
During the final hearing of the appellate trial, the prosecution acknowledged, "The defendant's lack of remorse and the absence of forgiveness from the victim can be criticized." However, considering the small amount involved, the widespread public controversy, and the recommendation of the citizen committee, the prosecution belatedly requested a suspended sentence and adopted a cautious stance. After the appellate court's acquittal was finalized, the Jeonju District Prosecutors' Office announced it would not appeal and would respect the ruling.
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