Despite Employees' Pleas "They Are Crying"... Employer Who Embezzled Wages and Fled Arrested

Ministry of Employment Arrests Business Owner A for Wage Arrears Owed to 14 Workers

Photo related to wage arrears. (Photo by Getty Images)

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Lee Junhyeong] A business owner who fled after withholding wages of 47 million won from 14 workers has been arrested.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced on the 19th that it has arrested Mr. A, the actual owner of a food company located in Siheung, Gyeonggi Province, on charges of violating the Labor Standards Act. Mr. A is accused of withholding wages totaling 47 million won from 14 workers.

Mr. A disappeared after a recent project failed, which was expected to cause losses of at least several hundred million won to business partners. Some workers pleaded with Mr. A, saying, "The employees are crying, so please at least resolve the salary issue." However, Mr. A ignored the employees' contacts and reportedly fled while moving between motels and inns nationwide.

In response, the Ansan branch of the Ministry of Employment and Labor obtained an arrest warrant for Mr. A and issued a nationwide search order. Mr. A was eventually arrested on the 16th in Taebaek, Gangwon Province.

After arresting Mr. A, the Ministry applied for a detention warrant at the Ansan branch of the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office. On the 18th, the Ansan branch of the Suwon District Court issued a detention warrant for Mr. A. Park Hongwon, a labor inspector at the Ansan branch who investigated the case, explained, "Mr. A fled due to fear of punishment for violating the Labor Standards Act," adding, "Due to the severity of the offense and his unstable residence, he was detained."

The Ministry of Employment and Labor stated its firm stance on wage withholding cases. Lee Gyuwon, head of the Ansan branch of the Ministry, said, "Wage withholding is a serious crime that threatens the livelihoods of workers and their families," and added, "We will continue to thoroughly investigate and strictly take action against business owners who withhold wages."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.