Former Paris Croissant chief loses appeal

By Lee Hyo-sik

An appeals court recently upheld a lower court’s ruling, dismissing a lawsuit filed by Jung Tae-soo, former CEO of Paris Croissant, against the company.

Jung has been arguing that he was unfairly dismissed by Korea’s leading bakery two years ago.

But the courts have ruled that there was insufficient evidence to substantiate his claims.

The Seoul High Court said that “Jung defied the firm’s personnel appointment and committed other unruly acts, making it hard for the company to entrust him with any assignments. The company’s decision to sack him is justified.”

The court also dismissed Jung’s demand that the bakery give him additional severance payment.

In March 2013, Jung was appointed to the CEO, but stepped down from the post in May 2014, holding him responsible for the bakery’s poor performance. But he wanted to continue to maintain his board seat but the company refused to do so.

He then was assigned to a temporary advisory position for six months, and ordered to return his corporate credit card and vehicles.

After Jung refused to follow company orders, Paris Croissant held a shareholders’ meeting in September 2014 and stripped him of his board seat.

Jung then filed a lawsuit against the company to nullify his dismissal, claiming that he was wrongfully sacked.