Convenience store part-timer vanishes during his overnight shift, leaving counter unattended for 8 hours

A convenience store owner in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, is expressing frustration after an overnight-shift part-timer suddenly quit without notice, causing both financial losses and a warning from the store’s headquarters.

According to JTBC’s 'Crime Chief' on July 10, owner 'A' began operating the convenience store in late February and hired part-timer 'B,' a person in their late 20s, for the overnight shift. 'B' worked from 11 PM to 9 AM five days a week for three months.

'A' claims the two had a good working relationship for about three months. However, in early May, 'A' arrived at the store for the usual morning shift change and was shocked by what they found.

Unscanned items were piled on the counter, customers were inside the store, but the part-timer was nowhere to be seen.

It turned out that the part-timer had abruptly quit in the middle of the night without any prior notice. CCTV footage showed the worker arriving at 11 PM but quietly packing up and leaving around 1 AM.

Before disappearing, the part-timer had even eaten several items, sandwiches, drinks, gimbap, and strawberry milk, which were supposed to be discarded. In the released footage, a female customer is even seen going behind the counter and helping ring up other customers after seeing a long line at the unattended register.

Due to the unauthorized departure, the store remained unattended for approximately eight hours. Fortunately, no items were stolen.

However, the store owner suffered financial losses, as the usual 400,000 KRW (approximately 290 USD) in sales during the early morning hours never materialized. Furthermore, the eight-hour sales gap triggered a warning from the convenience store headquarters.

A day later, the part-timer sent a text message saying, “I’m sorry for quitting without notice. I wasn’t feeling well and don’t think I can continue working.” They added, “I know it's shameless, but I’d like to ask for the 300,000 KRW (approx. 220 USD) in unpaid wages from the past three weeks. 100,000 KRW per week.”

However, 'A' claims that the part-timer had voluntarily forfeited that amount. Reportedly, 'B' had told 'A,' who was expecting a child, that they would take 100,000 KRW less per week to help with baby formula expenses.

'A' says that 'B' initially refused, insisting on full payment, but the part-timer insisted on getting their weekly wage earlier (on Thursdays instead of Saturdays) in exchange for a reduced amount. Based on this, 'A' adjusted the wage payment schedule accordingly. 'A' tried to reach out to clarify the situation but was unable to contact the part-timer.

Later, 'A' was contacted by the Ministry of Employment and Labor. The part-timer had filed a complaint, claiming they had not been paid the 300,000 KRW. Despite 'A' explaining that the worker had previously agreed to the reduced wages, the labor ministry said, “There was only a verbal agreement and no written consent,” recommending a settlement of 150,000 KRW.

'A' expressed deep frustration, saying, “I feel incredibly betrayed and resentful. I’m worried this person might pull the same stunt elsewhere.” 'A' is now reportedly preparing to file a civil lawsuit.