Korean restaurant suspends staff over sexual harassment claims

Korean restaurant Terrace in seaside has suspended a branch manager over allegations of sexual harassment. The manager was said to have instigated colleagues to make up jokes and nicknames against a new joiner regarding her physical appearance.

The move came one day after the victim shared her encounter online, which had drawn massive attention among netizens.

According to the social media post shared online on Saturday, the woman was made fun of her physical appearance by the branch manager and other colleagues on her first day of work at the restaurant located in Festival Walk.

She said the branch manager had addressed her with appearance-related nicknames such as “large-breasted girl” in person and on an online workplace chat group. Other colleagues followed suit and also made fun of her physical appearance.

On Sunday, the restaurant released a statement saying that the branch manager had been suspended from work with disciplinary actions imposed after an internal investigation.

The restaurant said it has established policies and guidelines to prevent sexual harassment in accordance with the "Sex Discrimination Ordinance."

“In cases where colleagues encounter any inappropriate situations, they are encouraged to report to the Human Resources department or management. All reports will be kept confidential,” the statement read.

The restaurant also noted that they will make every effort to provide support to colleagues affected by the incident.