[Screenshot from Banollim Pizza's website]
[Screenshot from Banollim Pizza's website]

Pizza & Company, the operator of Banollim Pizza, issued a formal apology and launched an investigation into a franchise location after controversy over the treatment of a minor part-time worker spread online.

According to industry sources Wednesday, posts circulating on social media alleged that a franchise owner directed profane remarks and comments about the personal life and home environment of a minor who had worked at the location. The student's representatives said the incidents caused significant emotional distress.

In an official statement, Banollim Pizza said it "deeply regrets that the student, who was just beginning their first experience in the workforce, and their guardian suffered great pain." The company said it had instructed the franchise owner to refrain from actions that could cause further harm — including contacting the victim directly, requesting the removal of posts, or pressuring employees to change their accounts. It added: "We are reviewing whether the franchise owner violated operating standards based on our findings and will take necessary action."


korean@heraldcorp.com