A young bakery employee’s death has triggered a national debate in South Korea. Specifically, the incident centers on allegations of dangerous and extreme overtime work. A 26-year-old worker at London Bagel Museum died in July. This tragedy happened after they reportedly worked nearly 80 hours per week.
Consequently, the progressive Justice Party publicly condemned the company. In fact, the party issued a forceful statement this past Monday. They directly accused the popular bakery chain of avoiding responsibility for the tragedy. Notably, the employee died just 14 months after joining the company.
The party’s statement detailed an exhausting work schedule. For instance, the worker’s weeks consistently ranged from 58 to 80 hours. This pattern suggests that chronic overwork likely contributed to their death. Furthermore, their final shifts were brutally long.
Reportedly, the employee worked from 9 a.m. until nearly midnight one day. Even more shockingly, they also worked a 21-hour shift just five days prior. This evidence suggests a combination of chronic and acute exhaustion. Ultimately, the situation points to a culture of extreme overtime work.
Additionally, the employee’s employment history was also unstable. The company transferred them several times between cities. Moreover, each move required signing a new short-term contract. This practice can often weaken job security.
In response, the bereaved family has now applied for industrial accident compensation. They filed their official claim on October 22. However, the company, known as LBM, is reportedly resisting. According to the Justice Party, LBM refuses to provide key documents.
These crucial documents concern the worker’s official hours. Meanwhile, the company insists its records differ from the family’s claims. As a result, this dispute is central to the compensation case. The family seeks acknowledgment that extreme overtime work was a primary factor.
London Bagel Museum first opened in Seoul in 2021. It quickly became a viral sensation nationwide. In particular, long customer queues are common outside its seven stores. Subsequently, the chain’s operator, LBM, was recently acquired.
A private equity firm bought it for 200 billion won in July. Now, however, this business success contrasts with the serious allegation. Importantly, the case resonates with broader South Korean labor issues. Historically, the country has long grappled with its culture of long working hours.
Therefore, this incident amplifies calls for better worker protections. Indeed, the demand to eradicate dangerous extreme overtime work is growing. Next, the focus is on the industrial accident ruling. Officials will carefully review all evidence from both sides.
The company’s transparency will be under intense scrutiny. Furthermore, this outcome could influence future labor disputes. Ultimately, the young worker’s death is a somber warning. It starkly highlights the human cost of excessive workplace demands.
