[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] E-Land World has been fined for workplace harassment following an investigation into allegations that employees were forced to participate in dance rehearsals and other non-work-related activities.
According to a report obtained by Democratic Party lawmaker Kang Deuk-gu on Monday, the Seoul Gwanak District Employment and Labor Office found E-Land World guilty of workplace harassment and imposed a fine of 5 million KRW (approximately $3,750).
The labor office determined that a significant number of employees were involuntarily involved in year-end company event preparations, including dance rehearsals, which caused them mental and physical distress.
In December 2023, the Ministry of Employment and Labor launched a special labor inspection team to investigate E-Land World.
Additionally, 30 employees who were required to participate in the event rehearsals had to use their paid annual leave but were not compensated for approximately 7 million KRW ($5,250) worth of unused leave pay.
The labor office also imposed a 20 million KRW ($15,000) fine on E-Land World for failing to grant employees the legally mandated 10-day paternity leave and for not conducting sexual harassment prevention training.
Furthermore, the labor office conducted additional inspections on E-Land Retail and Kim’s Club, subsidiaries of E-Land Group, due to wage-related issues since January 2023.
As a result, E-Land Retail was fined 5 million KRW ($3,750) for similar workplace harassment violations. The company was also ordered to address unpaid wages, including 6 million KRW ($4,500) in overdue overtime, night shift, and holiday pay.
AlphaBIZ Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
