Korean Job Discussion Forums

KinKorea · Joined: 10 May 2003

Hey guys,

I'll be brief but I need a bit of advice here.
To cut a long story short, I left Korea with about 3.5 million won owing to me by my boss.

He promised that it would be sent to me at home in NZ. I hadn't been paid for my last 6 weeks of work or severance. I knew he had financial difficulties, but I also knew he was expecting a large amount of money to be deposited in his bank so I wasn't too worried. This guy was a 'friend' of mine, so I trusted that he'd send me the money.

When I got an email saying that it was sent I assumed it would be in my account in a few days. It never arrived. When I pulled him up about it, he said the bank teller made a mistake with my account number. When it didn't come the second time I called and emailed, but to no avail.

So here I am wondering what to do. Is there anything at all I can do to recover the money being that I am no longer in Korea?
I realise that I was stupid and naive, but as I said before this guy was a friend so I never expected him to do the dirty on me.

Any advice would be great appreciated.
Cheers.

prairieboy · Joined: 14 Sep 2003 Location: The batcave.

I think you're never going to see that money unless you come to collect it personally.

This guy was your boss? And your friend? The guy did you. Financial troubles and you believed he'd follow through after you had left.

If you have anyone else who you trust then have them file papers with the labour board. Or you'll have to do it yourself.

So, the only way you'll get your money is if you 1) come and get it from him yourself or 2) start proceedings with the labour board.

Good luck

just because · Joined: 01 Aug 2003 Location: Changwon - 4964

KinKorea · Joined: 10 May 2003

Does anyone know if it's possible to get someone to go to the Labour Board for me? If I sent someone on my behalf (a korean) to state my case, would they follow it up accordingly even though I'm not in the country?

Ghostinthemachine · Joined: 22 Jun 2003

I think you should start by talking to EFL law and getting their advice.
I hope you get your money, you worked for it you deserve it!

bithy75 · Joined: 01 Feb 2004 Location: Seoul, Korea

I just had an experience similar to yours. I agreed to write part of a TOEIC manual for a guy here who was working for my company on a contract basis. We agreed that this work would be "on the side" and that he would pay me personally for it. I spent at least a couple of weekends locked up in my apartment trying to finish that stuff on time for him, by the way. There was no contract or anything in writing for the work (silly, naive me!), and he was always so "nice" to me, giving me snacks and drinks all the time when we were working in the office. However, when the project was finished and it was time for him to cough up the cash, he kept "misplacing" my bank account number. Then, he took off and headed back to Pusan or wherever the heck he's from. I've tried to contact this guy numerous times, but to no avail. I think I can kiss my time and money goodbye! It's even funnier when I remember that he even told me he'd credit me in the book as a "consultant." HAHA!! I just have to laugh at this stuff or I'd go insane....totally insane. You live and learn. As for your situation, I'm really sorry for you and all the others that have to endure similar situations. I don't think you'll ever see any of that money.

Gwangjuboy · Joined: 08 Jul 2003 Location: England

Pro tip- NEVER LEAVE THE COUNTRY WITHOUT YOUR BLOODY MONEY, AND ALWAYS GET A CONTRACT FOR ANY WORK YOU DO. FAILURE TO DO SO MEANS YOU ARE STUPID!

KinKorea · Joined: 10 May 2003

I did have a contract!
I was promised the money on my last day of work (Friday). My flight was booked for 9am the next day. I couldn't extend it any further because I had already used up the one year and two weeks.
What else could I do??

Gwangjuboy · Joined: 08 Jul 2003 Location: England

tokki · Joined: 26 Jul 2003