Allegations and Responses Surrounding Kang Hyung-wook and Bodeum Company

1. Introduction

• This report aims to present a detailed analysis of the allegations against Kang Hyung-wook, a renowned dog trainer and CEO of Bodeum Company, focusing on the accusations of workplace harassment, the company's rebuttal, and the subsequent legal battles as reported in multiple sources.

2. Background of Allegations

• 2-1. Introduction to Kang Hyung-wook and Bodeum Company

• Kang Hyung-wook is a famous dog trainer and the CEO of Bodeum Company. He is known for his appearances on TV programs and his work in dog training. Bodeum Company specializes in providing dog training services and has garnered significant attention due to Kang Hyung-wook's public profile.

• 2-2. Initial Allegations by Former Employees

• Former employees have accused Kang Hyung-wook of workplace harassment, including surveillance through CCTV, verbal abuse, and monitoring of internal communications. These allegations have led to significant public controversy. It has been reported that former employees are preparing for legal action with the help of attorney Park Hoon, who has offered to provide free legal representation.

• 2-3. Key Figures Involved in the Allegations

• Key figures include Kang Hyung-wook, who denies all allegations, and his wife Susan Elder, who is a director at Bodeum Company. Susan Elder admitted to monitoring internal communications, reportedly because of personal attacks on her son. Attorney Park Hoon has also become a central figure by offering legal assistance to the former employees. The former employees, identified as A and B in the reports, have provided specific instances of alleged harassment, including recordings of verbal abuse.

3. Details of Allegations

• 3-1. Allegation of Employee Surveillance via CCTV

• Kang Hyung-wook, the CEO of Bodeum Company, faced allegations from former employees regarding the use of CCTV to monitor staff. According to multiple sources, former employees claimed that Kang installed CCTV cameras in office locations such as the villa in Jamwon-dong, Seoul (2014-2015) and the 7th floor office in Jamwon-dong (2015-2017), not for theft prevention or monitoring external visitors as Kang stated, but to monitor employees. They added that there was even a fake CCTV installed at the entrance, where external visitors would typically be monitored.

• 3-2. Claims of Verbal Abuse and Recorded Evidence

• Several former employees have accused Kang of verbal abuse, with some allegedly possessing recorded evidence of such incidents. One former employee, referred to as A, claimed that many employees were 'gaslit' into believing they deserved such treatment. Another employee, B, recalled an incident where Kang reportedly shouted at a trainer for over 20 minutes, telling them to 'crawl out' and that 'breathing was a waste.' These incidences allegedly led to long-lasting trauma for the affected employees.

• 3-3. Accusations of Monitoring Internal Communications

• Another allegation involved Kang's wife, Susan Elder, who is an executive at Bodeum Company. She was accused of monitoring internal communications via the company messenger. Elder admitted to this action, claiming that she was provoked by derogatory comments about her son. Former employees criticized this explanation, stating that they never harbored ill feelings towards her son and considered her monitoring to be part of a broader pattern of harassment.

4. Kang Hyung-wook and Bodeum Company’s Response

• 4-1. Video Statement and Rebuttal

• Kang Hyung-wook, along with his wife, released a video on YouTube on June 24, where they addressed various allegations. In the 55-minute video, Kang categorically denied claims that he monitored and harassed employees. He stated that any grievances felt by the employees were addressed, but emphasized that the accusations were baseless and would be met with legal action. Despite this video, former employees have stepped forward to counter his claims, continuing the back-and-forth dispute.

• 4-2. Clarification on CCTV Usage

• In the video, Kang clarified that the installation of CCTV cameras within the office premises was solely for theft prevention and monitoring external entries. However, former employees argued that some CCTV cameras were seemingly fake and installed in areas where theft was unlikely. They insinuated that the cameras were used to monitor employee activities, thus disputing Kang’s explanation.

• 4-3. Denial of Verbal Abuse Allegations

• Kang Hyung-wook vehemently denied all allegations of verbally abusing employees. He asserted that the accusations were untrue, and that there was no evidence to support such claims. Contradicting this, former employees have come forward with specific instances and recorded evidence of verbal abuse. One former employee recalled an incident involving Kang shouting for over 20 minutes, which has left enduring traumatic impacts. The persistence of these allegations has kept the dispute in the public eye.

• 4-4. Response to Internal Communication Monitoring Accusations

• In the same video statement, Kang’s wife, Susan Elder, admitted to monitoring internal communications via the company’s messenger service. She explained that this was prompted by derogatory comments made about their child. Despite this admission, former employees accused her of using this as a pretext to unjustly monitor staff, further intensifying the dispute. The employees claimed that Susan’s actions were part of a broader pattern of invasive behavior by the company’s leadership.

5. Legal Developments

• 5-1. Former Employees' Rebuttal and Legal Preparation

• The former employees of Kang Hyung-wook's Bodeum Company have issued a strong rebuttal against Kang's denial of workplace harassment allegations. Led by former employee A, they have detailed instances such as the installation of multiple CCTV cameras supposedly for monitoring purposes and instances of verbal abuse documented in recordings. According to these reports, some employees were subjected to severe verbal abuse, contributing to ongoing trauma. They are now preparing to take legal action against Kang Hyung-wook, with the help of labor attorney Park Hoon, who has offered to represent them pro bono.

• 5-2. Role of Lawyer Park Hoon in Representing Former Employees

• Attorney Park Hoon has stepped forward to offer free legal representation to former employees of Bodeum Company. He conveyed his intention to assist them through social media posts, calling for those who felt wronged to contact him. He emphasized his belief in the credibility of the employees' claims based on the detailed allegations covered in the media. Although he has only had contact with one former employee so far, he is actively gathering more information to better understand the case.

• 5-3. Current Status of Legal Actions

• Currently, the legal actions are in the preparatory stage. Former employees, with the support of Park Hoon, are collecting evidence and formulating their legal strategy. They have also actively criticized the explanations provided by Kang Hyung-wook and his wife, Susan Elder, particularly contesting their claims about the use of CCTV for theft prevention and the motives behind their actions.

• 5-4. Media and Public Reactions

• The controversy has garnered significant media attention. Kang Hyung-wook's public explanations and the counter-allegations have been widely covered, generating various public opinions. Bodeum Company's internal matters have been subjected to scrutiny, leading to public empathy for the alleged victims. This reaction has also impacted Kang's professional engagements, including the suspension of the KBS program 'Dogs Are Wonderful,' raising further questions about the continuation of his television appearances.

6. Impact on Kang Hyung-wook and Associated Media

• 6-1. Effect on Kang Hyung-wook's Public Image

• Kang Hyung-wook, a renowned dog trainer and CEO of Bodeum Company, faced severe allegations of workplace harassment. These allegations were publicly denied by Kang and his wife through a video statement on YouTube. However, former employees countered with detailed rebuttals, including claims of verbal abuse supported by recorded evidence. These events have significantly affected Kang Hyung-wook's public image, leading to widespread media coverage and public scrutiny.

• 6-2. Temporary Halt of 'Dogs are Incredible' Program

• The KBS entertainment program 'Dogs are Incredible,' which features Kang Hyung-wook, has experienced interruptions due to the ongoing controversy. The program did not air on June 20th and the following episode, with the future broadcast schedule remaining uncertain. The show, which began in 2019, focuses on analyzing and addressing unusual behaviors in dogs, providing solutions to pet owners.

7. Glossary

• 7-1. Kang Hyung-wook [Person]

• Kang Hyung-wook is a prominent dog trainer and the CEO of Bodeum Company. He is known for his appearance on the KBS program 'Dogs are Incredible.' He has been accused of workplace harassment, which he denies.

• 7-2. Bodeum Company [Company]

• A company specializing in dog training and behavioral solutions founded by Kang Hyung-wook. It is currently at the center of workplace harassment allegations.

• 7-3. Park Hoon [Person]

• A lawyer specializing in labor cases who has volunteered to represent the former employees of Bodeum Company in their legal battle against Kang Hyung-wook.

• 7-4. CCTV Surveillance [Technology]

• The use of CCTV within the company has been a major point of contention. It was installed for security purposes according to the company, but former employees claim it was used to monitor staff.

• 7-5. ‘Dogs are Incredible’ [TV Show]

• A KBS television program where Kang Hyung-wook provides training solutions for problematic dogs. The show has temporarily ceased airing following the allegations.

8. Conclusion

• This report compiles and analyzes the key aspects of the controversy involving Kang Hyung-wook and former Bodeum Company employees from their initial allegations to the legal actions being taken. It highlights the complex nature of workplace harassment allegations and emphasizes the need for clear and transparent communication and legal recourse in resolving such disputes.

9. Source Documents

• "강형욱 20분 넘게 폭언, 녹취 있다"… 추가 폭로에 법정다툼 이어지나https://www.hankookilbo.com/News/Read/A2024052713570004574
• “강형욱 20분 폭언, 녹취 있다”…전 직원들, 법정 갈까https://v.daum.net/v/20240527161742652
• 강형욱 사과·해명에 前 직원 반박...박훈 변호사는 무료 변론 자청https://www.hankookilbo.com/News/Read/A2024052514210004524