1. Introduction to the text
This article discusses a tragic murder case at a pizza shop in Seoul, where the owner killed the franchise company’s executive and the owner of the interior design company. The article explores the background of the incident, including the owner’s financial struggles and conflicts over the “single-serving delivery” policy, which was a source of tension between the franchise owner and the franchise company.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning | Contextual Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 참극 | chamgyeok | tragedy, catastrophe | The pizza shop murder was a tragic incident. |
| 가맹 | gamyeong | franchise | The owner was running a franchise pizza shop. |
| 1인분 | ilindab | single-serving | The conflict over the “single-serving delivery” policy was a source of tension. |
| 불씨 | bulssie | spark, source of trouble | The “single-serving delivery” policy was a spark that led to the tragic incident. |
| 가맹점 | gamyeongjeom | franchise store | The owner was running a franchise pizza shop. |
| 인테리어 | interieeo | interior design | The owner had a conflict with the interior design company. |
| 갈등 | galdeung | conflict | The conflict over the “single-serving delivery” policy led to the tragic incident. |
| 할인 | hallin | discount | The franchise company required the owner to offer a 20-40% discount on single-serving deliveries. |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
3일 서울 관악구 한 식당에서 살인 사건이 발생해 경찰이 조사하고 있다. ㄱ씨는 전날 자신이 운영하던 서울 관악구 조원동 피자 가게에서 가맹 본사인 ㅍ사 임원과 인테리어 업체를 운영하던 아버지와 딸을 칼로 찔러 살해했다.
A murder incident occurred at a restaurant in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, and the police are investigating. Mr. G stabbed and killed the executive of the franchise company P and the father and daughter who ran the interior design company at his pizza shop in Jowon-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul the previous day.
ㄱ씨 가족과 ㅍ사 쪽의 설명을 들어보면, ㄱ씨는 가맹점을 운영하며 각종 비용 문제로 고민이 많았고 특히 ‘1인분 배달’ 문제 때문에 어려움이 커졌다고 한다.
According to the explanations from Mr. G’s family and the franchise company P, Mr. G faced various cost-related issues while running the franchise store, and the “single-serving delivery” issue in particular caused him significant difficulties.
‘1인 메뉴’ 도입을 두고 불거진 갈등에 인테리어 하자 보수 비용 문제까지 겹쳐 참변이 벌어졌을 정황인 셈이다.
It seems that the conflict over the introduction of the “single-serving menu” combined with the issue of interior repair costs led to the tragic incident.
경쟁사인 쿠팡이츠도 지난달 1인분 배달을 시작했다. 배민의 ‘한그릇’ 배달의 경우 6300원 이상 2만원 이하 저가 메뉴만 등록이 가능하고, 20~40%를 할인 판매해야 한다는 조건도 받아들여야 한다.
Coupang Eats, a competitor, also started offering single-serving delivery last month. For Baemin’s “Hangeureut” delivery, stores can only register low-priced menus between 6,300 won and 20,000 won, and they must offer a 20-40% discount.
이처럼 배달 시장의 경쟁이 치열해지면서 가맹점주들의 어려움도 커지고 있는 상황이다.
As the competition in the delivery market intensifies, the difficulties faced by franchise owners are also growing.
이번 사건은 가맹점주와 가맹 본사 간의 갈등이 극단적인 선택으로 이어진 것으로 보인다.
This incident appears to be the result of an extreme choice made due to the conflict between the franchise owner and the franchise company.
4. Reading comprehension questions
- What was the tragic incident that occurred at a pizza shop in Seoul?
- What were the main issues that caused conflict between the franchise owner and the franchise company?
- How did the competition in the delivery market contribute to the difficulties faced by the franchise owner?
- What were the requirements for the “Hangeureut” delivery service offered by Baemin?
- What is the overall conclusion about the relationship between franchise owners and franchise companies based on this incident?
5. Cultural and historical notes
The pizza delivery business in South Korea has become increasingly competitive, with various delivery platforms and policies that have created challenges for franchise owners. This tragic incident highlights the tensions that can arise between franchise owners and the parent companies, particularly when financial pressures and changes in the industry create conflicts over policies like single-serving deliveries. It underscores the need for better communication and support between franchisors and franchisees to prevent such extreme outcomes.