A Jeju court has acquitted a man in his 50s accused of aiding a minor theft involving hair gel worth 30,000 won ($22) from a local convenience store, sparking criticism over the initial prosecution.
The Incident
On June 27, 2024, a suspect identified as B stole six bottles of hair gel valued at 30,000 won from an outdoor display at a Japamart convenience store in Jeju City. Witnesses reported B grabbing the items and fleeing the scene.
Investigation and Charges
The store filed a complaint, prompting police to investigate. Officers summoned the man in his 50s, known as A, after CCTV footage showed him nearby during the theft. Police argued that A’s proximity and actions suggested he assisted B, including handing over a vinyl bag at the scene.
Despite no internal store inquiry until July 19, authorities pursued charges of aiding theft. The case drew scrutiny for targeting such a low-value incident.
Defense Arguments
A denied any involvement, stating, “B’s vinyl bag contained medication, and I simply handed it over when asked. I had no idea it involved stolen goods, not even in my dreams.”
The Japamart branch manager supported this, noting CCTV footage shows A in plain view inside the store with no suspicious behavior. “Even if he saw B’s movements, there’s no evidence he acted as a lookout,” the manager said. “Relying solely on the vinyl bag handover to claim aiding is flawed.”
Court Decision
The Jeju Eastern District Court reviewed the evidence on the 22nd and acquitted A, ruling there was no proof of intent to aid the theft. The judge questioned the prosecution’s merits, reclassifying the case but ultimately dismissing charges.
A second Japamart official criticized the handling, saying, “For a 30,000 won theft already summoned once, pursuing it further from the store’s side seems excessive.”
