'Culinary Class Wars' chef seeks legal help after fired employee files W20m relief claim

Chef Cho Seo-hyung, known as the "Business Genius" from "Culinary Class Wars," has asked the public for help as she pursues legal action against a former employee she fired over sexual harassment and other misconduct.

Cho posted a message on her social media account Tuesday asking for assistance.

She said an employee who had worked for just one month had harassed and threatened colleagues, committed sexual harassment and made late-night phone calls — behavior she described as unacceptable — before being dismissed. The former employee then filed a relief claim against the company for 20 million won ($13,600), she said.

"It turned out he was a repeat offender," Cho said, adding that she intends to pursue litigation because she feels the person does not understand the consequences of his actions. She also said that in 10 years of running her business, with more than 100 employees having passed through, she had never once faced a problem with the labor commission.

She said the labor commission had suggested she settle for half the claimed amount without giving a clear reason, but that she was prepared to spend money on the case because she wants the person never to live that way again. She asked followers to recommend a labor law attorney.

Cho also shared a screenshot from a TV program featuring the question "Why do you carry so much anger inside?" to express her feelings. "After countless hardships, I learned to control my emotions — and people call that a good personality and treat me carelessly. If they do, I'll pay them back. I'll tear, cut and slice — like chicken," she wrote.

Cho gained wider recognition through her appearance on the Netflix show "Culinary Class Wars" under the nickname "Business Genius CEO Cho." She is currently appearing on the tvN program "Street Restaurant Fighter."