Why Did the Jeonju Chief Prosecutor Bring Up the 'Half-and-Half Jokbal Case' in the Choco Pie Theft Incident?

Indicted for Theft Over 1,050-Won Snack, Appeals Trial Underway
Shin Daekyung: "The Prosecution Will Also Review the Case Within the Bounds of Common Sense"

Shin Daekyung, former chief prosecutor of the Jeonju District Prosecutors' Office, recently addressed the controversy surrounding the "Choco Pie theft case," stating, "The prosecution will also review what actions can be taken within the bounds of common sense."

Shin Daekyung, former chief prosecutor of Jeonju District Prosecutors' Office, is speaking at a press conference. Photo by Yonhap News

At a press conference on the 22nd, Shin said, "The Choco Pie case, which continues to be covered by local media, is similar to the previous 'Half-and-Half Jokbal case.' I am also following it with interest."

The Half-and-Half Jokbal case occurred in 2020, when a convenience store part-timer was prosecuted for eating a 5,900-won pork dish after mistakenly believing it was time to discard it, but was acquitted in the first trial. At the time, the prosecution respected the opinion of the Prosecution Citizens' Committee and decided not to appeal. Shin explained, "The Half-and-Half Jokbal case involved a dispute over wage settlement between the store owner and the employee, and ultimately resulted in an acquittal. In the Choco Pie case, since the first trial resulted in a guilty verdict, the prosecution is currently reviewing which aspects can be taken into consideration."

Choco Pie Case: "The Victim Strongly Desired Punishment"

Regarding some criticisms that "it is unfortunate that a suspension of indictment was not granted," Shin stated, "In this case, the victim strongly desired punishment, and since no settlement was reached, it appears that a suspension of indictment was difficult." He added, "As the appeal trial is ongoing, it is not easy to withdraw the prosecution, but we will make an appropriate judgment when presenting our opinion at the sentencing hearing."

Image to aid understanding of the article. Image Today

The individual involved in the case, Mr. A (41), a member of a security company union, was indicted on theft charges after taking snacks worth a total of 1,050 won-including a Choco Pie (450 won) and a custard (600 won)-from a refrigerator in the office of a logistics company in Wanju County, North Jeolla Province, in January last year. He initially received a summary order but objected and requested a formal trial, claiming innocence.

However, the first trial court found him guilty and imposed a fine of 50,000 won, citing the following: ▲ the office was a restricted area for employees of partner companies, ▲ the refrigerator was located deep within the office and not easily accessible to other employees, and ▲ testimony indicated that the defendant was aware he did not have authority to take the snacks. Mr. A appealed the verdict, and at the first hearing of the appeal, his legal counsel reiterated their position that "it was not an intentional theft."

The next appeal hearing for Mr. A is scheduled for October 30, during which the court will also hear witness testimony requested by the defense.

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