Backward Korean libel laws
WTF. I’ve yet to work at a hagwon and I’d like to keep it that way. I had a similar situation about a missing1 paycheck; I was fortunate to receive my compensation sans the severance pay upon resignation. I wish Joe McPherson the best out of this unfortunate and asinine situation.
“Somehow, if an employer doesn’t pay you your wages or severance, or takes money from your paycheck without explaining or having you agree to it, they can pretty much get away with it,” McPherson wrote, “even if you win your case (at the Labor Department and civil court) there is little legal framework to force the employer to pay you.”
In July 2006 McPherson filed a complaint against his hagwon for failure to pay his end-of-contract severance money.
“In August the Labor Board determined that the hagwon had to pay me everything I was due,” McPherson said, “It came to about 6 million won, so we are not talking about a small amount of money here.”
But having an official and legal piece of paper saying you are due this money, and then actually getting the money, are two quite different things.
In February 2007 McPherson finally went to civil court, where the judge not only upheld the Labor Board decision, but awarded McPherson a further 2 million won, bringing the total to 8 million won. The hagwon is still refusing to pay, and has lodged an appeal. An end to the process is nowhere in sight.
“Yet if you want to complain about it on the internet, which is often the only venue for us, it’s a crime,” McPherson told The Korea Herald, “I received notice that the hagwon filed a complaint and I am being investigated by the police for criminal libel.”
What a bunch of bull…
More details can be found here.
- Or as the company called it, “delayed”. Interesting to note Korean companies expect employees to understand they should work without pay so that the CEO can keep the chauffeured car↩
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