A 1,000 Won Choco Pie Led to a 50,000 Won Fine... Will the Appeal Overturn It?

[Financial News]  A theft case over a mere 1,050 won snack has taken a new turn in the appeal trial. Although a fine of 50,000 won was imposed in the first trial, the appeal trial has raised the issue of whether it was a 'custom' within the office, suggesting the possibility of acquittal.
According to the legal community on the 22nd, at the first appeal trial held on the 18th at the Jeonju District Court's 2nd Criminal Division (Presiding Judge Kim Do-hyeong), the defense attorney for security company employee A (41) requested the adoption of two new witnesses, claiming there was an issue with the witness examination in the first trial.
The defense attorney argued, "The snacks in the office were customarily eaten by security company employees or delivery drivers," and "The first trial witness did not clearly reveal the facts due to concerns about personal disadvantage."
During the first trial, the witness testified, "I have eaten snacks in the office but never took them out of the refrigerator," and the court judged that A took the snacks out of the refrigerator without permission based on this.
However, in the appeal trial, the defense attorney submitted transcripts stating, "These witnesses are well aware of the customs at the time," and since the prosecution did not object, the court decided to examine them at the next hearing.
The witness examination scheduled for the 30th of next month is expected to focus on whether it was a permitted custom to take and eat snacks from the office refrigerator. The legal community suggests that if the victim's implicit consent is recognized, the theft charge may not be established, raising the possibility of overturning the original judgment.
Security company employee A received a summary order fine of 50,000 won for allegedly taking and eating Choco Pie and custard from the refrigerator of a logistics company office in Wanju County, North Jeolla Province, in January last year. However, fearing dismissal if found guilty, A requested a formal trial and is claiming innocence.


jjw@fnnews.com Jeong Ji-woo Reporter