Customer's behavior forces Daiso worker to kneel, sparking ‘abuse of power’ controversy

A customer at a Daiso store in Suncheon, South Jeolla Province, has come under public criticism after video footage showed a staff member being compelled to kneel and apologize during a confrontation over a child running inside the store.

The incident occurred on Nov. 21 and gained widespread attention via online communities and social media on Thursday after witnesses shared video clips and accounts of what happened.

A witness said the employee had warned the child, who was running near the store's entrance, telling the child it was dangerous. The child’s guardian allegedly reacted with verbal abuse and demanded an apology.

The video shows the employee kneeling in front of the customer and saying, “I said it because it is dangerous here.”

The customer then raises her voice, saying, “I’m the one who disciplines my child. Who are you to tell her what to do? You keep staring at my kid instead of doing your job.”

When the customer begins to walk away, the employee follows on her knees, repeatedly saying, “I’m sorry.”

The clips sparked anger online, with many saying the customer’s behavior amounted to an abuse of power and bullying. Comments included: “Why should a worker kneel?”, “What is the child learning from this?”, “This should be reported as obstruction of business or insult,” and “There must be better protections for retail employees.”

Daiso said it would support the staff member involved. “We have granted the affected employee paid leave and will provide psychological counseling,” the company said, adding that it will offer legal assistance if the employee wishes to pursue criminal charges.

Source : https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/society/20251128/customers-behavior-forces-daiso-worker-to-kneel-sparking-abuse-of-power-controversy

Comprehension

Where did the incident happen?
Why did the store employee warn the child?
How did the child’s guardian react to the employee’s warning?
What did the video show the employee doing?
What did the guardian say to the employee during the confrontation?
How did people online react to the video clips?
What kind of support did Daiso offer the employee?
Why might this incident be considered an “abuse of power”?

Discussion

Do you think the employee did anything wrong by warning the child? Why or why not?
How should adults handle situations when children are behaving dangerously in public places?
Why do you think some customers feel they can treat workers poorly?
What effect could this incident have on the child who witnessed it?
How can companies protect employees from unfair treatment by customers?
What would be a fair way to resolve this conflict if you were the store manager?
Should workers have the right to refuse unreasonable demands from customers?
Why is kneeling considered a serious or humiliating action in many cultures?
How important is respect in customer–employee interactions?
Have you ever witnessed unfair behavior toward a worker? How did it make you feel?

Vocabulary

Confrontation – A situation where two people argue or face conflict.
Verbal Abuse – Hurtful or aggressive language directed at someone.
Guardian – A parent or person responsible for a child.
Kneel – To go down on your knees.
Apologize – To say sorry for something.
Abuse of Power – Using one’s position unfairly to control or hurt others.
Psychological Counseling – Professional support for emotional or mental stress.
Paid Leave – Time off from work while still receiving salary.