Man in His 60s Gets Prison Time for Convenience Store Rampage Over Lost Welfare Benefits

The Shocking Incident That Led to Prison Time

A bizarre incident that unfolded in a Seoul convenience store has captured public attention and sparked discussions about Korea's social safety net. On April 20, 2024, a 60-year-old man identified only as Mr. Lee caused a 10-minute rampage at a convenience store in Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul. His reason? He claimed to have lost his basic livelihood benefits and was angry about it.

The incident occurred at a store operated by 35-year-old Mr. Oh, who became an unwitting victim of Lee's frustration. What started as complaints about lost welfare payments quickly escalated into property damage and theft. Lee pulled at display shelves, breaking merchandise, and consumed products without payment, including chocolate worth 11,000 won, bottled water worth 1,100 won, and snacks worth 1,700 won - totaling approximately 13,800 won in damages.

This case has drawn attention not just for its unusual nature, but also because it highlights the complex relationship between social welfare systems and individual responsibility in modern Korean society.

Legal Consequences and Court Decision

On June 20, 2025, Seoul Southern District Court's Criminal Division 13, presided over by Judge Kim Seong-eun, sentenced Lee to six months in prison for charges of obstruction of business and property damage. The court's decision was influenced heavily by Lee's criminal history and his status as a repeat offender.

Judge Kim emphasized that Lee committed this crime during his probationary period for similar offenses, stating that the defendant committed this crime again during the recidivism period for the same type of obstruction of business offense. The court noted that Lee had not received forgiveness from the victim nor reached any settlement, and his multiple previous convictions for similar crimes made his actions particularly serious.

However, the court also considered mitigating factors, including Lee's acknowledgment of his crimes, the relatively minor financial damage, and his personal circumstances including age, character, family relationships, and home environment. These factors prevented a harsher sentence despite his repeat offender status.

A Pattern of Criminal Behavior

Lee's criminal record reveals a troubling pattern of repeat offenses that extends well beyond this convenience store incident. In May 2023, he was sentenced to 10 months in prison for fraud, and in July 2024, he received a 6-month prison sentence for obstruction of business - the same type of crime he committed at the convenience store.

This pattern of behavior raises questions about the effectiveness of Korea's rehabilitation system and the challenges faced by individuals who rely on social welfare benefits. The fact that Lee was in his recidivism period when he committed the convenience store offense particularly concerned the court, as it demonstrated a failure to learn from previous legal consequences.

Legal experts note that repeat offenders like Lee often face increasingly harsh sentences as courts lose patience with continued criminal behavior. The six-month sentence, while relatively light for some crimes, reflects the court's attempt to balance punishment with the recognition that the actual financial damage was minimal.

Public and Online Community Reactions

The case has generated significant discussion across Korean online communities, with reactions ranging from sympathy to frustration. On platforms like Naver and Daum, users have expressed mixed feelings about the incident and its underlying causes.

Many commenters have focused on the broader social issues highlighted by the case. Some users expressed concern about the state of Korea's social safety net, questioning whether adequate support systems exist for vulnerable individuals like Lee. Others have criticized Lee's actions, arguing that losing welfare benefits does not justify criminal behavior or taking out frustrations on innocent business owners.

The convenience store industry has also taken notice of this case, as it represents a growing concern about customer-related incidents and the safety of small business operators. Store owners and employees have expressed concerns about their vulnerability to such incidents, particularly when dealing with customers who may be experiencing personal crises or mental health issues.

Understanding Korea's Basic Livelihood Support System

For international readers unfamiliar with Korea's welfare system, the basic livelihood support program (기초생활보장제도) is a crucial social safety net designed to provide minimum living standards for the country's most vulnerable citizens. Recipients receive monthly payments to cover basic living expenses, housing costs, and medical care.

The system requires recipients to meet strict income and asset requirements, and they must report any changes in their circumstances that might affect their eligibility. Losing these benefits, whether through administrative error or personal mistake, can be devastating for individuals who depend entirely on this support for survival.

However, the system also faces challenges with fraud and abuse, as seen in other recent cases where individuals have illegally received benefits while hiding additional income or assets. This creates a complex environment where legitimate recipients may face increased scrutiny and bureaucratic hurdles, potentially contributing to the frustration experienced by individuals like Lee.

Broader Implications for Korean Society

This incident reflects several broader social issues facing contemporary Korea, including the challenges of an aging population, economic inequality, and the stress placed on social welfare systems. As Korea's population ages and economic pressures increase, cases like Lee's may become more common, highlighting the need for comprehensive approaches to social support.

The case also raises questions about mental health support and crisis intervention. Lee's decision to take out his frustration on a convenience store suggests a lack of appropriate channels for addressing his concerns or managing his emotional response to losing his benefits. This points to potential gaps in Korea's social support infrastructure beyond just financial assistance.

For the convenience store industry and small business owners, this case underscores the need for better safety protocols and support systems. Many small business operators work alone or with minimal staff, making them vulnerable to incidents like this one. The case has prompted discussions about security measures and crisis management training for retail workers.

Lessons and Moving Forward

The resolution of Lee's case offers several important lessons for Korean society and policymakers. First, it demonstrates the interconnected nature of social welfare, mental health, and criminal justice systems. Addressing issues like Lee's requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond simply providing financial benefits.

Second, the case highlights the importance of accessible and responsive social services. If Lee had proper channels to address his concerns about lost benefits or emotional support to manage his frustration, the convenience store incident might have been prevented entirely.

Finally, the case underscores the need for continued investment in rehabilitation and support programs for repeat offenders. Lee's pattern of criminal behavior suggests that previous interventions were insufficient to address the underlying issues contributing to his actions. More effective rehabilitation programs could potentially break this cycle and prevent future incidents.

As Korea continues to grapple with social and economic challenges, cases like this serve as important reminders of the human cost of systemic failures and the need for compassionate, comprehensive approaches to social support and criminal justice.