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A shocking incident at a discount retail chain in South Korea has sparked widespread outrage after a mother allegedly verbally abused an employee, forcing her to kneel and apologise
According to South China Morning Post, the incident began when the worker reminded the woman's child not to run around the store for safety reasons.
The incident took place on 21 November 2025 at a Daiso outlet, a popular budget retail chain, in Suncheon, South Korea.
The employee, wearing a red uniform, kindly approached the child who was running near the shop's entrance and exit. She said, "Running around like this is really dangerous."
The gentle reminder quickly escalated into an aggressive and humiliating confrontation when the child's mother began shouting profanities at the staff member
The mother, described as appearing to be in her late twenties, also threatened to file a complaint with Daiso's headquarters.
Footage of the incident, which has since circulated online, showed the visibly shaken employee bowing and apologising repeatedly.
She was ultimately pressured into kneeling on both knees and rubbing her hands together in a pleading gesture. Even as the customer turned to leave, the employee followed them to the door, continuing her apologies.
Witnesses expressed confusion and dismay, with one bystander stating, "She did not do anything wrong. I do not understand why she had to endure such humiliation."
Another witness remarked that the customer was "yelling at someone old enough to be her mother".
Following the public backlash, Daiso Korea's headquarters released a statement to support their employee.
The company said the staff member would receive legal assistance, paid leave, and mental health counselling. They also confirmed that surveillance footage was being reviewed and that the police were investigating the incident.
