Organizational Limits Amid Rapid Growth... London Bagel Museum CEO Vows to Create a Safe Workplace

CEO Kang Kwangoo Issues Official Statement: "Overhauling HR and Labor Management Systems"
Ministry of Employment and Labor Launches Inspection Following Death from Overwork of Employee in Twenties

Kang Kwangoo, CEO of London Bagel Museum, which has recently faced suspicions regarding the death from overwork of an employee in their twenties, issued an official statement saying, "As the business rapidly expanded, our operational systems and organization failed to keep pace with the speed of growth," and added, "We will create a work environment where all members can work safely."

In the statement released on the 10th, CEO Kang said, "We are sincerely cooperating with the Ministry of Employment and Labor's labor inspection, and we are making company-wide efforts to build a better workplace."

London Bagel Museum logo. Provided by London Bagel Museum.

CEO Kang stated that this incident would serve as an opportunity to overhaul the entire personnel and labor management system. He explained, "We will introduce an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system specialized in human resources (HR) management, and assign professional HR personnel," and added, "We will newly establish an industrial safety management system, designate dedicated staff, and implement a flexible work system to comply with the 52-hour workweek." He also said, "We will set up a direct internal communication channel with the CEO to more quickly reflect employees' opinions," and added, "When opening new stores, we will coordinate the number of staff deployed and the duration of their assignments to reduce working hours."

Regarding the fact that there have been 63 industrial accidents at London Bagel Museum over the past three years, he said, "This is the result of reporting all injuries, including minor cuts in the kitchen, mild burns, and commuting accidents, as industrial accidents," and emphasized, "Given the nature of the food and beverage industry, it is difficult to completely prevent all accidents, but we will establish detailed safety protocols and strengthen inspections."

Previously, in July, employee A (26), who was working at the Incheon branch, was found dead in the company dormitory, raising suspicions of death from overwork. The bereaved family applied for industrial accident compensation, claiming "there was excessive workload during the store opening preparations," but later withdrew the application after reaching a settlement with the company. The Ministry of Employment and Labor is currently conducting a labor inspection on working hours and industrial safety conditions at all London Bagel Museum locations and at the affiliates of its operating company, LBM, in response to this incident.

CEO Kang stated, "We will create a company where both employees and customers are the main characters," and added, "We will transform our workplace into one where everyone is respected and can work safely." He continued, "We will restore the trust of customers who have supported our brand and uphold the fundamental values of London Bagel Museum."

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