Lotte Department Store issued an official apology in the name of its CEO after controversy arose when a customer wearing a labor union vest was asked to remove it at the Jamsil branch.
On December 13, through a notice on its official website, Lotte Department Store released an apology from CEO Chung Hyunseok, stating, "We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused to customers who were asked to remove their vests when attempting to enter the Jamsil branch for a meal on the evening of December 10."
The company added, "This was an inappropriate action, and we once again apologize to any customers who felt discomfort as a result."
Lotte Department Store further promised, "We will use this incident as an opportunity to re-examine all of our customer service processes and do our utmost to prevent similar cases from happening again."
Previously, it was reported that members of the Korean Metal Workers' Union under the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions attempted to enter the basement dining area of the Jamsil branch around 7 p.m. on December 10 while wearing union vests, but were stopped by security personnel.
After footage filmed at the scene spread via social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), public criticism mounted regarding Lotte Department Store's response.
Lotte Department Store Main Branch located in Sogong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Lotte Department Store
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
