More than a year after allegations surfaced, the parent company of the 빽다방 franchise, 더본코리아, has announced it will suspend the operations of two stores in the Chungbuk province following a dispute with a former employee.
The Dispute
The case began in May-October of 2025 when an employee at a 빽다방 store in Cheongju was accused of workplace embezzlement by store owner ㄱ after allegedly taking three drinks – an iced Americano and two others – valued at approximately 12,800 won. Store owner ㄴ also sought 5.5 million won in settlement funds from the same employee, claiming 350,000 won worth of drinks had been taken over a five-month period.
더본코리아’s Response
Following a 현장 조사, 더본코리아 officials met with both store owners and recommended they take steps to address the harm caused. ㄱ withdrew the criminal complaint and submitted a statement requesting no charges be filed. ㄴ apologized and returned the 5.5 million won to the former employee.
더본코리아 stated that it is now taking steps to suspend both locations based on the franchise agreement. The company indicated that the specific penalties will be determined after legal review and may be supplemented by further action following a labor inspection by the Ministry of Employment and Labor.
Looking Ahead
더본코리아 has indicated it is considering ways to support the former employee and is planning improvements to protect employees working in its stores. These plans include establishing a consultation system staffed by labor law experts, and strengthening labor inspections and training. Further action will be taken against the stores pending the results of the Ministry of Employment and Labor’s investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted 더본코리아 to take action?
더본코리아 took action after a 현장 조사 revealed that two 빽다방 store owners had accused a former employee of embezzlement and sought significant settlement funds.
What actions have the store owners taken?
Store owner ㄱ withdrew the criminal complaint and submitted a statement requesting no charges be filed. Store owner ㄴ apologized and returned 5.5 million won to the former employee.
What is the status of the two 빽다방 stores?
더본코리아 is currently proceeding with a suspension of operations at both locations, pending legal review and the results of a labor inspection.
How might similar situations be prevented in the future?
