Employees Overcharging Chinese Tourist 6 Million Won After 2 Million Won Bar Tab Dispute

Three Employees Sentenced to Prison for Detaining Chinese Tourists
Demanded 6 Million Won Instead of 2 Million Won After Protest

Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

Employees who confined Chinese customers protesting excessive drink charges at a nightlife venue in Jeju, confiscated their cards, and overcharged them have been sentenced to prison.

On the 22nd, Yonhap News reported, "The Jeju District Court Criminal Division 2 (Presiding Judge Hong Eun-pyo) held the first trial and sentencing hearing for 20-year-old A, who was indicted in custody on charges including special robbery, and 20-year-olds B and C, who were indicted without detention."

They are accused of confining Chinese tourist D for about 3 hours and 30 minutes and confiscating their card and phone after D refused to pay the drink bill while working at a nightlife venue in Seogwipo City on March 27.

When D protested that the 2 million won drink bill was excessive and refused to pay, A threatened, "If you don't pay the drink bill, I will use violence," and together with B, took D's bag and took out the card.

Using this card, B paid 4 million won, followed by A paying an additional 2 million won. B and C monitored D under A's orders to prevent D from leaving the room.

The prosecution requested the court to sentence A to 6 years in prison, B to 5 years, and C to 1 year. The prosecution stated, "The nature of the crime is quite serious. Foreign tourists vulnerable to crime were victimized, causing serious damage to the trust in Jeju tourism." They also explained that they considered A's leading role in the crime, B's commission of the crime during probation, and C's minor involvement.

A's lawyer said, "He admits his wrongdoing and is deeply remorseful," adding, "There was an order from the business owner to collect the drink charges by any means, and although we want to settle, it is difficult as the victim has left the country."

B's lawyer said, "There is no excuse as the crime was committed during probation, and he admits and reflects on his wrongdoing," adding, "B participated passively under A's orders and did not gain any benefits from this crime."

C's lawyer appealed for leniency, saying, "He was passively involved in the crime and only sat in front of the victim under A's orders."

The sentencing hearing for them is scheduled for September 5.

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