Worker cleared of stealing snacks from office after colleagues all say they do the same

n appellate court on Thursday acquitted a security worker of "stealing" two snacks worth 1,050 won ($0.72) from a fridge at his office last year, reversing a ruling that has prompted public outcry nationwide.

The Jeonju District Court handed down the verdict to the 41-year-old, overturning a lower court ruling that sentenced him to a fine of 50,000 won.

The sentence in May drew public outrage and prompted questions about the role of law, with some criticizing the prosecution for taking the case to court.

The defendant was charged with taking a 400 won Choco Pie — a chocolate-covered marshmallow-filled snack — and a 650 won Custard cake from the logistics company in Wanju, North Jeolla province, and eating them without permission in January last year.

The appellate bench said a total of 39 drivers and security workers at the company testified that taking snacks from the fridge had never been an issue before, as the drivers had given the workers permission to do so.

"Based on such circumstances, it is difficult to recognize the defendant's intent to steal at the time," it said.

In a statement released through his labor union, the security worker said he is relieved and grateful to restore his honor and that of his colleagues.

"It was difficult for me to accept a situation where a practice maintained over decades based on mutual kindness suddenly became a crime," he said. "I earnestly hope that no more workers will suffer from such a case again."

The defendant credited the compassion of the bench and the public's interest for the acquittal.

The Jeonju District Prosecutors Office said it will examine the ruling and consider whether to appeal.

Last month, the prosecutors convened a civic committee to review whether the steps it took in the case were appropriate.

Based on the committee's opinion, they had demanded a suspended sentence for the defendant during the final hearing of the appellate trial.

With the acquittal, the worker is expected to be able to stay in his job.

Source : https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/law-crime/20251127/appellate-court-acquits-worker-of-stealing-choco-pie-snack

Comprehension

What items did the security worker allegedly take from the office fridge, and how much were they worth?
Which court overturned the lower court ruling, and what was the worker’s original fine?
How many colleagues testified that taking snacks had never been an issue?
What reason did the appellate court give for acquitting the worker?
How did the security worker react to the acquittal?
Why did the case draw public outrage initially?
What role did the labor union play in the case?
What did the Jeonju District Prosecutors Office say it might do following the appellate court’s ruling?

Discussion

Do you think minor acts like taking office snacks should ever be considered theft? Why or why not?
How important is intent in determining whether an action is a crime?
Should workplace customs influence legal decisions in minor cases?
What role should public opinion play in influencing court cases?
How could companies prevent misunderstandings about acceptable behavior at work?
Do you think the appellate court’s decision restores fainess in this situation? Why or why not?
How might this case impact other workers’ confidence in workplace rules and their relationship with colleagues?
Should prosecutors focus more on enforcing the law strictly or using discretion in minor disputes?

Vocabulary

Acquitted – Officially declared not guilty of a crime.
Appellate court – A higher court that reviews the decision of a lower court.
Overturning – Reversing a previous decision or ruling.
Outcry – Strong public protest or criticism.
Prosecution – The legal party responsible for proving someone is guilty of a crime.
Intent – A purpose or plan to carry out an action.
Suspended sentence – A legal punishment that is delayed and may not be enforced if the person behaves well.
Bench – Refers to the judges or the court as a collective body.