"Security Guard Who Didn't Open the Door... Lacking Sense," Residents' Complaints Flooded with Criticism

"The previous security guard used to open the door automatically, but the current security guards lack that kind of sense. It's unfortunate."

A resident of an apartment complex has raised a complaint against the security guards with this content, which is gaining attention again. On the 9th, multiple online communities saw a post titled "Why apartment security guards are being criticized these days" go viral. The post included a complaint expressing dissatisfaction with the security guards' attitude and a photo of a notice showing the handling result. This story has sparked discussions in communities several times in the past and is reexamined whenever controversies about power harassment against security guards arise.

[Image source=Online community capture]

원본보기 아이콘

The resident said, "It is very difficult to press the apartment entrance number while holding heavy luggage or shopping bags in both hands," and requested, "I hope the security office watches and opens the entrance door automatically." In response, the management office replied, "We will provide training to the security guards."

Among netizens who saw the photo, critical responses continued such as "Is opening the door included in the security guard's duties?" "The security guard is not a servant, do only what is reasonable," and "Since when did security guards become hotel staff?" There were also comments saying, "Who does the resident think they are to have the door opened for them? The reply about training the security guards is absurd."

A security guard is sorting recyclables at an apartment in downtown Seoul. This is unrelated to the specific content of the article. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

원본보기 아이콘

In 2020, at an apartment in Gangbuk-gu, Seoul, a security guard who was continuously verbally and physically abused by a resident over parking issues took their own life. Afterward, the issue of power harassment against apartment security guards became public. Regarding this incident, the Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service officially recognized it as an industrial accident, stating that the death was caused by mental stress from the resident.

However, just last month, power harassment against security guards by residents occurred again at an apartment in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, drawing public attention. At that time, a resident who parked a Porsche in front of a "No Parking" sign demanded an apology from a security guard who asked for the car to be moved and even pressured for the guard's dismissal. When the security guard placed a parking violation sticker, the resident claimed vehicle damage and reported it to the authorities.

Meanwhile, in October 2021, the Enforcement Decree of the Act on the Management of Apartment Housing was revised to specify the scope of security guards' duties. Accordingly, ▲ valet parking of private vehicles ▲ direct performance of individual household tasks such as delivering parcels to units ▲ assisting general tasks of the management office are, in principle, restricted.

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.