Korean Job Discussion Forums

Mary-Jane · Joined: 22 Mar 2006

Posting this on behalf of my boyfriend...

My boyfriend worked at a hagwon for a year and signed an extension for an extra 6 months. He's the only foreigner and never had any trouble with the school before. Then in December, the director unexpectedly sold the school to a new owner and attempted to fire a bunch of Korean teachers to hide the fact that she hadn't paid them for a month. Nor had she paid my boyfriend's last month of salary.

As the story unfolds, it seems that the ex-director's having money troubles and might not even be able to pay the missing salaries. The new director, who was pretty innocent of this whole mess, doesn't seem willing to go to the Labor Board or to get any authorities involved. While she's made promises to get authorities involved, she's ended up just talking to the ex-director and accepting her half-baked promises of payment at the end of February- conveniently, right when my boyfriend's contract expires!! She's even advised my boyfriend to go corner the ex-director face to face himself, as though that'll magic the money out of her.

We're trying to take this further with the Labor Board right now, but what we're concerned about is that:

a) the ex director might not actually have enough money to cover salaries, leading onto the second worry,

b) the Labor Board isn't going to be able to help with recompensation of salary, severence pay or flight money, if the ex-boss can't pay it

and finally, c) This process is going to take far too long to resolve, and we'll have to stay here for a couple of months to sort it out.

We've looked for information here, but I'd like to ask if anyone has had experience with similar situations. What's going to happen once we lodge a complaint with the Board? What can my boyfriend really expect to be done for him, and how long is this all going to take?

Also, does anyone know how we can get hold of a professional translator?

Please help!

Fresh Prince · Joined: 05 Dec 2006 Location: The glorious nation of Korea

wylies99 · Joined: 13 May 2006 Location: I'm one cool cat!

OP- This is a load of BS and you need to get out of the situation ASAP. Frankly, any more work will be a "charitable contribution" (no pay).

I will say this with all seriousness- TRUST no one else and guard all documents and receipts. EXPECT no one to be honest with you and everyone will be looking out for themself, ONLY.

You will need someone who knows Korean to help you with these two visits.

OP- File with Labor first, and file for backpay. CALLING Labor will do no good. You must file for the backpay and that requires a visit.

Then, go to Immigration and let them know the situation and that the hogwan is bankrupt. They will probably call the hogwan to ask about the situation. Maybe you can get the visa canceled. You want this so you can find another job.
If Immigration calls, the owner will know that you are serious about getting a new job and should be more likely to just grant a Letter of Release so that you can move on. Odds are you will get it, unless you are dealing with some major crooks (at this point, anything is possible).

You will need to find another job ASAP.

This is why many of us stress saving money in case situations like this arise in Korea. You just never know when this could happen to anyone.

wylies99 · Joined: 13 May 2006 Location: I'm one cool cat!

BTW- What's the name of the hogwan?

some waygug-in · Joined: 25 Jan 2003

Is the new owner/manger any relation to the old?

If so, this could be a scam to try and shaft teachers out of their salaries.

Your boyfriend is under no obligation to work for the new owner. Just say

no pay, no work. They will get things sorted out pretty quick then.

Do not let things drag on. They will only owe more.