Overview
- Jeonju District Court overturned a May ruling that fined the 41-year-old 50,000 won for eating a Choco Pie and a custard cake worth a combined 1,050 won on Jan. 18, 2024.
- The appellate bench cited statements from 39 drivers and security workers who said snacks in the office fridge were commonly shared with permission.
- The acquittal allows the guard to stay employed, avoiding a theft conviction that could have barred him from the industry under the Security Services Act.
- The Jeonju District Prosecutors’ Office said it will review the decision and consider an appeal after previously convening a civic committee and seeking a suspended sentence at the appeal stage.
- The worker and his union expressed relief as labor groups pointed to the case as an example of disproportionate punishment of subcontracted workers.