Residents speak out after guard reportedly forced to quit over his looks

Outrage is spreading online after claims emerged that a security guard at an apartment complex in Gyeyang-gu, Incheon, was driven to quit following complaints about his appearance and physical traits — factors entirely unrelated to his work.

Photos of a notice posted at the complex began circulating recently across multiple online communities, including Bobaedream. The notice said residents had been told that complaints targeting security guards were becoming a recurring problem at the complex.

The author of the notice criticized the behavior, writing that a guard had been forced out "over his appearance or physical characteristics that have nothing to do with his job." "Is it truly right to make someone give up their livelihood for such reasons?" the author wrote. "As a fellow resident, I am deeply ashamed."

The author went on to say that subjecting a guard who "quietly and diligently does his job" to such treatment amounted to "another form of violence" and gapjil — the abuse of power by those in a position of authority. "I sincerely hope that whoever reads this will reflect, even just a little," the author added, directing the message at the complainant.

Other residents left replies beneath the post, with some writing that they hoped the complainant would face consequences for their actions.

Online users who came across the story reacted with a mix of anger and disbelief, with comments including "The complainant should be ashamed of themselves," "It's shocking that a complaint like that was even entertained," "Why would management accept such a complaint?" and "Complaints with no bearing on job performance are nothing but malicious harassment."