A heartbreaking tragedy has shocked South Korea after a 24-year-old woman was found to have taken her own life, with her family alleging that workplace abuse at a major retail chain played a significant role.
According to reports, the woman, identified as Lee Yerim (pseudonym)—was working at a directly operated store of ABC Mart in South Chungcheong Province. In the early hours of December 9, she returned home after having dinner with coworkers and died just 11 minutes after entering her home.
Yerim’s family and acquaintances revealed that she had been under severe mental and emotional distress leading up to her death. A family member shared that Yerim had lost 11kg due to stress from work, and frequently told people around her that she was “too tired” and “wanted to die.”
Those close to her say Yerim had once been bright and affectionate, but that her demeanor noticeably changed after becoming a full-time employee. Yerim joined ABC Mart as an intern in April last year and was promoted to a full-time position after three months. According to her family, the situation worsened after her promotion, especially when a manager went on leave and a large amount of responsibility was suddenly placed on her.
A former coworker described the workplace environment as “close to gaslighting,” saying Yerim was constantly intimidated due to public criticism and harsh language.
The family released group chat messages allegedly sent by the store manager, which include repeated profanity, threats, and humiliating remarks toward staff. In several messages, employees were warned that their actions would be checked via CCTV, and mistakes were addressed publicly in group chats. One former employee said that even on days off, workers felt unable to rest due to anxiety about being contacted or reprimanded.
Yerim reportedly worked 11-hour shifts, from 10 am to 9 pm, and often left even later. Coworkers claimed that end-of-day meetings regularly extended past clock-out time, but employees were allegedly told to record their departure earlier so overtime would not be logged.
Her family stated that Yerim often came home late at night and showed extreme fear of making even minor mistakes at work, to the point where her hands would shake while writing daily closing reports. After Yerim’s death, her family discovered that ₩1.50 million KRW (about $1,010 USD) had been deposited into her account without explanation. They say the company did not clarify whether it was condolence money or compensation.
The family also claims that coworkers stopped responding to their messages, with one allegedly saying they had been told by the company to block all calls and texts from the family, an accusation ABC Mart denies.
ABC Mart has acknowledged that the store manager used inappropriate language while giving instructions and said disciplinary action was taken. However, the company maintains that there was no targeted verbal abuse, no forced overtime, and that the dinner Yerim attended before her death was a private gathering, not a company event.
Yerim’s family says they are not claiming the company is solely responsible for her death, but insist that workplace harassment and excessive pressure were clear factors that contributed to her suffering. The family is now preparing civil and criminal legal action against ABC Mart over allegations of workplace harassment and labor violations.
Meanwhile, they shared that their lives have been devastated by the loss. Yerim’s mother and sibling are reportedly receiving psychiatric treatment, while her father relies on medication to cope. The case has reignited public outrage over workplace abuse, verbal violence, and mental health protection for young workers in South Korea.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or has had self-harming thoughts, do not hesitate to reach out to your local confidential support for people in distress or to call the Lifeline. The Lifeline provides free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s # is 988, OR you can call 1-800-273-8255. Crisis Text Line can be reached by texting HOME to 741741 (US), 686868 (Canada), or 85258 (UK).