IKEA Korea has stated that allegations of disadvantaging employees who returned from parental leave are "unverified claims," while expressing its willingness to cooperate with the investigation by relevant authorities.
In a statement on July 10, IKEA Korea expressed concern that "unverified claims are being reported as facts, leading to unnecessary misunderstandings and harm to both employees and the company." The company pledged to provide necessary materials and explanations to ensure that objective facts are confirmed during the investigation.
IKEA Korea further emphasized that it ensures all coworkers can safely utilize their legally guaranteed rights related to pregnancy, childbirth, and parental leave. The company noted that out of approximately 2,000 employees in the past year, 118 utilized parental leave, and 110 of them (93%) returned to continue their careers.
On the same day, President Yoon Suk Yeol shared reports on social media regarding allegations that IKEA Korea demoted an employee who returned from parental leave and pressured them to resign. He stated, "If the allegations are confirmed through a thorough investigation, we will take strict action in accordance with international standards."
President Yoon also warned, "As South Korea strives to become a model society and government leading the world, we cannot tolerate such outdated management practices."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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