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Chef Jo Seo-hyung Faces 20 Million Won Relief Claim from Ex-Employee; Vows Legal Battle
๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท South Korea /Disasters & Emergencies

Chef Jo Seo-hyung Faces 20 Million Won Relief Claim from Ex-Employee; Vows Legal Battle

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources In the courts
  • Chef Jo Seo-hyung, known as 'Business Genius Jo' from the Netflix show 'Black and White Chef,' is facing a dispute with a former employee.
  • The ex-employee, who worked for about a month, has filed for 20 million won (approximately $14,500 USD) in relief from a labor board, alleging unfair dismissal.
  • Chef Jo claims the employee was fired for workplace harassment and threats, and plans to pursue legal action rather than settle, citing a lack of prior labor disputes in his decade-long career.

Chef Jo Seo-hyung, widely recognized as 'Business Genius Jo' from the Netflix reality series 'Black and White Chef,' has announced his intention to take legal action against a former employee. The dispute centers on a claim filed by the ex-employee for 20 million won (approximately $14,500 USD) in relief, alleging unfair dismissal after only about a month of employment.

Chef Jo stated on his social media that the employee was terminated due to alleged workplace bullying, threats, sexually suggestive remarks, and late-night phone calls directed at other staff members. He asserts that these actions were the reason for the dismissal.

However, the details of the employee's alleged misconduct and the specifics of the dispute are currently based solely on Chef Jo's account. The former employee's perspective and any ruling from relevant labor authorities have not yet been made public.

I ask for your help.

โ€” Jo Seo-hyungChef Jo Seo-hyung's appeal for assistance on social media regarding the labor dispute.

Chef Jo expressed his desire to resolve the matter through litigation rather than a settlement. He emphasized his decade-long career, during which he has managed over 100 employees without any prior labor-related issues. He also mentioned being advised by the labor committee to settle for roughly half the requested amount, but he intends to fight the claim legally to prevent future similar situations.

He is actively seeking recommendations for lawyers specializing in labor and employment law. Chef Jo further conveyed his strong stance by sharing a quote implying retaliation against those who take advantage of his good nature, reinforcing his commitment to a firm legal response.

If you treat me badly because I have a good personality, I will pay you back.

โ€” Jo Seo-hyungChef Jo Seo-hyung's statement indicating his firm stance against the former employee.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.