The head of the Sunjeong Livestock Cooperative Federation in Jeonbuk State was arrested by police for verbally and physically abusing employees, as well as engaging in unfair work practices and withholding wages. Surnamed Koh, the chairperson allegedly assaulted an employee on multiple occasions, including at a funeral for joining a labor union. Other incidents involved assaulting employees with shoes due to untidy dining chairs. The victims filed a police complaint, leading to an investigation by the Labor Ministry, which revealed 18 violations of labor laws, amounting to unpaid wages of 206 million won ($154,081). Koh was also found to have forced employees to resign through intimidation and verbal abuse. Despite a vote to dismiss her, the required majority was not achieved according to the federation’s internal rules.
The Sunjeong Livestock Cooperative Federation in Jeonbuk State has been thrown into turmoil as its head, surnamed Koh, faces arrest for a string of serious allegations. The police have charged Koh with verbal and physical abuse, unjust work practices, and withholding wages from employees. Shockingly, Koh is said to have assaulted an employee three times at a funeral simply for joining a labor union. The abusive behavior didn’t stop there, as other employees were reportedly attacked with Koh’s shoes due to a failure to tidy up dining chairs.
The police were alerted to these disturbing incidents after the victims bravely filed a complaint, prompting the Labor Ministry to initiate a comprehensive investigation. A specialized labor supervision team was assembled to delve into the federation’s practices, unearthing a troubling pattern of misconduct. In total, the investigation revealed 18 instances of labor law violations, including not only physical and verbal abuse but also sexual harassment, unfair work practices, and unpaid wages totaling an alarming 206 million won ($154,081). The scale of these offenses is deeply concerning, and the victims deserve justice.
To make matters worse, it has come to light that Koh used intimidation tactics to force employees to resign. Reports indicate that she resorted to breaking a bottle at a karaoke establishment and swearing at her staff to pressure them into quitting. Such inappropriate behavior from the head of an organization is utterly unacceptable and demonstrates a complete disregard for the well-being and rights of employees.
The federation did attempt to address the situation through a vote to dismiss Koh in December of last year. However, despite a significant turnout, with 84.3 percent of members participating in the vote, the required two-thirds majority needed for dismissal was not achieved. This outcome, dictated by the federation’s internal rules, left many shocked and disappointed, wondering what it will take to hold leaders accountable for their actions.
As this distressing case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of creating safe and respectful work environments. No employee should ever fear physical or verbal abuse, nor should they be subjected to unfair practices or unpaid wages. The victims who came forward have bravely taken the first steps toward justice, shedding light on a deeply troubling situation. It is now up to the authorities and the legal system to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The Sunjeong Livestock Cooperative Federation must reflect on these disturbing revelations and take immediate action to rectify the harmful culture that allowed such incidents to occur. Organizations, regardless of their size or industry, have a duty to prioritize the well-being of their employees, fostering an environment of respect, fairness, and dignity. The systemic failures exposed in this case demand urgent attention to prevent further harm and restore trust.
In the pursuit of a just and ethical society, it is essential that cases like this receive the attention they deserve. Let this serve as a reminder to all organizations that mistreatment and abuse in the workplace will not be tolerated. Employees deserve to work in an environment where their voices are heard, their rights are protected, and their well-being is safeguarded.
