Min Hee-jin on Workplace Bullying and Sexual Harassment Fines: Will Appeal to Clear Her Name
Min Hee-jin’s Response
Recently, media outlet Monthly Chosun reported that Min Hee-jin plan to proceed with the formal appeal process after the former ADOR CEO was fined over workplace bullying and covering up a sexual harassment case.
Min Hee-jin’s side explained that the Seoul Western Branch of the Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Office determined that some of complaints about former Min Hee-jin constituted workplace bullying, leading to the fining decision, but some of the statements did not constitute workplace bullying.
In addition, it was revealed that the Ministry of Employment and Labor intervened in the internal reporting case and gave advance notice of the decision to impose a penalty on ADOR. However, the remaining violations were determined to be not applicable. Finally, Min Hee-jin’s side emphasized that they plan to file an appeal “to uncover the exact truth of the case and clear the unjust accusations.”
Fined over Workplace Bullying and Covering Up Sexual Harassment
On the afternoon of March 24, former ADOR employee A publicly shared an update regarding the labor dispute, posting a statement titled “Notification of Labor Office Results.”
“I received the notification letter from the Labor Office via registered mail today,” A wrote. “I sincerely thank those who have supported me all this time. Many people were curious about the results and have requested interviews, so I am sharing this update. I appreciate your continued support.”
According to the disclosed information, Min Hee-jin was penalized for failing to fulfill her obligation to conduct an impartial investigation and was also fined for engaging in workplace bullying, including verbal abuse.
A further explained, “Only 12% of workplace bullying cases are officially recognized, and the fact that this resulted in a fine rather than a simple warning demonstrates the severity of the situation.”
In the statement, A also expressed frustration over how events unfolded, “I had given her at least four opportunities to apologize and end all this, but instead, she sued me. I no longer need an apology. I will continue to respond diligently to the remaining civil and criminal cases, especially the one where Min Hee-jin sued me.”
A also addressed another aspect of the investigation, stating, “An external agency re-examined the allegations of workplace bullying and sexual harassment by the vice president. Workplace bullying was acknowledged, but determining sexual harassment was deemed difficult. The Labor Office also agreed with this conclusion. No separate fine was imposed.”
To clarify certain misunderstandings, A added, “The workplace bullying complaint I filed did not include the Dispatch article’s profanity as evidence; rather, I submitted separate instances as proof. I will not disclose further details to protect both my and Min Hee-jin’s reputations.”
As this controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how both parties will proceed legally. With Min Hee-jin facing fines and additional legal battles ahead, this case is likely to remain a topic of public discussion in the coming months.