"If the plane crashes, call me"...Gongcha Korea apologizes for store owner's absurd remarks

Gongcha Korea website

Amid the massive casualties of 179 people killed in the Jeju Air plane disaster, a food and beverage company franchise manager's absurd remarks toward part-timers were hit hard.

On this day, a photo released by Arbaiseng was posted on social media (SNS) such as X (X, former Twitter), saying it was a messenger chat room at the Shinsegae Daegu branch in Gongcha.

In the photo, the supposed manager said, "Did you see the plane exploded today? There are some people who go abroad during vacation, and if they fall, send me a text message saying, "Look for a part-time job" before my dad and mom. I don't want to be absent from work," he said.

Netizens who have encountered this should "not consume this branch" and "spread this fact widely." Let's boycott it," he said, expressing resentment.

Gongcha Korea posted an apology on its website after confirming the fact.

Gongcha said, "We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and hurt caused by inappropriate remarks at Gongcha's Shinsegae Daegu franchise. This is contrary to Gongcha Korea's basic values and ethics, and I feel responsible for causing great disappointment to customers," he said.

The store owner also apologized in a handwritten letter, saying, "All of this is due to my negligence in management as a store owner, and we will do our best to prevent a recurrence by thoroughly improving store operations and employee training in the future."

Reporter Lee Yu Na from Digital News Team.