In a shocking incident that has stirred widespread condemnation, a message sent via KakaoTalk by a manager of a popular café franchise in South Korea has gone viral for all the wrong reasons. The message, which was shared by a part-time employee, referenced the tragic crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216, further igniting outrage among the public.

The manager's message read: “Also, you saw the plane crash today, right? There seem to be many people going overseas during vacation. If there’s a chance of your plane crashing, send me a message saying, ‘Find a new part-timer’ before sending one to your mom and dad so I won’t have any absent employees.” This insensitive comment not only trivialized a serious aviation incident but also showed a callous disregard for human life.

The store in question—Gongcha Shinsegae Daegu branch—immediately became the target of consumer backlash, as social media users flooded platforms with protests and left scathing reviews. This public outcry led Gongcha Korea to issue a formal apology on their website on December 30, emphasizing their distress over the offensive remarks and declaring that they do not align with the company’s core values. The statement acknowledged the manager’s inappropriate behavior and promised that the company would take stringent measures in response.

"We express our deepest condolences to those who lost their lives and their families in the unfortunate accident," Gongcha Korea stated, highlighting their commitment to revising internal protocols to prevent a repeat of such incidents.

Compounding the controversy, the owner of the affected branch took to the store to post a handwritten apology, expressing remorse and acknowledging negligence on their part. They committed to enhancing employee training and improving overall operations to restore public trust.

The incident comes on the heels of the December 29 plane crash involving Jeju Air Flight 2216, which was returning from Thailand to South Korea. The aircraft landed on its belly and veered off the runway, causing alarm and prompting inquiries into the safety of the airline.

This unfortunate event raises substantial discussions about workplace culture and the importance of empathy, especially in the aftermath of tragic incidents. As the saga unfolds, consumers are left questioning the accountability of management in fostering a respectful and supportive work environment while also reflecting on corporate responsibility in times of crisis.