www.humanrights.go.kr
B. Appearance discrimination
● Appearance discrimination in a hotel’s temporary worker hiring process
The complainant applied for a temporary job at a hotel banquet function. He got a call from
the hotel manager that he had gotten the job, but when he arrived for work, the manager saw that
he was bald, at which time the applicant was told he would not get the job.
The Commission determined that refusing to hire based on the conclusion that baldness is
not an appropriate appearance for hotel service, and especially given that hair loss is a natural
phenomenon that is difficult to control, was discriminatory.
to prevent a recurrence of this incident, namely, refusing to hire based on reasons of appearance,
C. Disability discrimination
● House rental denied for reason of hearing disability
Having to move out of his residence before the expiration of his lease, the complainant found
a potential tenant through a mobile real estate transaction application and introduced him to his
landlord. The landlord refused to enter into a contract with the victim, however, because he was
hearing impaired.
The smartphone text message that the landlord sent to the complainant while reviewing the
lease contract with the victim at the real estate agent’s office, and testimony obtained through
investigation showed that the landlord’s refusal to enter into a contract with the victim was
because of the victim’s hearing disability.
The landlord failed to present justification for not renting his property to the victim other than
the fact that there would be difficulty in communication. The Commission determined that the
landlord’s refusal to rent to the victim was an act of disability discrimination without justifiable
reason. Hence, on 17 February, it was recommended by the Commission that the landlord take a
special training session on human rights.
67
Commission's Major Activities
which has no bearing on the requirements of the job.
Part II
Hence, on 31 August, the Commission recommended that the hotel come up with measures