“‘Bereaved family pressured’ and ‘gag order’ controversy… London Bagel Museum CEO issues apology over handling of worker death”, 29 October 2025

On 28 October, London Bagel Museum posted an official apology on Instagram under the name of CEO Kang Kwan-goo, stating: “In the early stages of the incident, the company failed to fully grasp how our on-site management staff responded” and “We deeply apologise to the bereaved family for the irreparable hurt caused by our inappropriate handling.”

The apology follows the death of 26-year-old employee Jeong Hee-won, who was found deceased in a staff accommodation used by the Incheon branch of London Bagel Museum on 16 July. The family claims Jeong was overworked due to simultaneously preparing for the branch’s opening while also managing daily operations. They have filed for industrial accident compensation with the Korea Workers’ Compensation and Welfare Service (COMWEL).

London Bagel Museum initially issued a statement that directly contradicted the family’s claims. […]

However, controversy escalated after it emerged that a company representative had sent the family text messages stating, “If you recklessly apply for industrial accident recognition claiming overwork, we will expose the truth,” and “Please act in good faith and serve as a moral example.” Reports also surfaced that, immediately after the incident, the company had instructed employees to refrain from discussing the case.

In response to growing criticism, CEO Kang [...] issued a public apology, adding: “We will sincerely cooperate with investigations by the Ministry of Employment and Labour and other authorities, and will do our part to ensure the facts are fully clarified.”

On the same day, the Ministry of Employment and Labour launched an official inspection of the Incheon branch and the company’s headquarters in Seoul’s Jongno District. [...]

Labour Minister Kim Young-hoon commented: “It is heartbreaking that a young woman in her twenties, working at a popular café chain with impressive sales, has lost her life while pursuing her future. We will conduct a thorough investigation and respond firmly and without leniency if any legal violations are found.”