Rookie says, “As long as the job is done well, that’s all that matters” ... Wears earbuds and watches videos while dining one-on-one with the boss [What do you think?]

[Financial News] A story about a new employee who showed excellent work skills and a diligent attitude toward showing up for work, but quit just one month after joining the company after displaying what was described as an “unusual work attitude”—such as wearing earbuds while dining with a supervisor and making lengthy personal calls during work hours—has become a topic of discussion online.
A post recently appeared on the online community Bobae Dream recounting an experience involving employee B, a new hire brought on for a two-month probationary period by A, who works as a team leader at a small or medium-sized company.
According to A, B was an employee with no shortcomings in practical skills, arriving 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled start time without ever being late and handling assigned tasks at a top-tier level. However, B showed a wide gap with colleagues in basic workplace communication and work attitude.
The conflict began with meals and the work environment. Even while eating with a supervisor in the office, B watched personal videos with earbuds in both ears. When A, unable to get B’s attention while speaking, suggested having a conversation, B paused the video but responded without taking out the earbuds.
B also listened to music with an earbud in one ear while working. It was also revealed that, while the manager was away on a business trip, B spent about one to two hours on a continuous call with their boyfriend while doing their work. B reportedly explained, “The office was so quiet that I needed some noise to ease the silence and improve my work efficiency.”
Communication problems also arose during work and the resignation process. To accommodate B, who commuted by bus with intervals of 20 to 30 minutes between buses, the company allowed B to leave five to 10 minutes early. However, even though work that had to be completed that day remained, B left without reporting it separately, sending only an intermediate file via messenger.
Then, on a Friday in B’s first month on the job, B notified the company, without giving a specific reason, that they would take annual leave the following Monday. While the supervisor was out of the office on an off-site assignment, B then requested a meeting by messenger and said they intended to resign that day.
During the exit interview, B mentioned being criticized for watching videos during meals and being told to clean the restroom, and complained, “The people at the company are oppressing me, so I don’t fit in with people.” B was also reportedly said to have packed personal belongings into a company supply bag used for parcel work and taken them when leaving, without the company’s permission.
As the story spread, online commenters debated workplace attitudes and organizational culture. Many expressed support for the supervisor, saying, “Regardless of attendance and job skills, this attitude lacked basic social skills and consideration,” “Taking company supplies without even saying anything is clearly a breach of etiquette,” and “Working in an organization isn’t like being a freelancer working alone.”
Others, however, defended the new hire’s personality and autonomy at work, saying, “If they completed their work without disrupting operations, excessive interference would have felt burdensome,” and “The rigid culture typical of small and medium-sized companies—including orders to clean the restroom and pressure to talk during meals—may also have contributed to the resignation.”
[email protected] Moon Young-jin Reporter