A pizza restaurant owner stabbed three people to death in Seoul on 3 Sep 2025 before attempting to take his own life. The attack occurred at approximately 10:57am local time (9:57am Singapore time) at a pizzeria in Seoul’s Gwanak district.
Pizza Shop Owner Stabs Three Dead in Seoul Business Conflict
Police and fire services responded to a distress call from someone saying “Help me, I’ve been stabbed.” Officers found three victims collapsed on the ground with severe abdominal injuries.
The perpetrator, identified as Mr A and aged in his forties, used a kitchen knife to carry out the attack. He then attempted to harm himself but was stopped by authorities.
The three deceased victims included a franchise executive from the pizza company’s headquarters and a father-and-daughter pair who worked as interior contractors. All victims were transported to a nearby hospital where they were pronounced dead.
Mr A sustained serious injuries during his suicide attempt and remains hospitalised. He has confessed to the crime and faces arrest upon discharge from hospital.
Renovation Dispute Sparks Deadly Franchise Conflict
The stabbing stemmed from a business conflict between Mr A and the franchise headquarters over unresolved renovation issues. Mr A had previously expressed frustration with the franchiser regarding problems that emerged after store renovations.
The pizzeria underwent interior work just two years prior through a company designated by the headquarters. However, defects including leaks and broken tiles appeared within two years of completion.
Mr A and his family claimed the headquarters refused to assist with repairs despite the recent renovation work. They also complained that the franchiser insisted on introducing a single-person set meal option, which Mr A believed would result in financial losses.
The franchise headquarters denied any wrongdoing related to these allegations.
Large franchise corporations typically require franchisees to use headquarters-appointed companies for interior work. Many impose additional charges disguised as “supervision” or “planning management” fees.
South Korea Franchise Industry Faces Growing Disputes Over Excessive Fees
The franchise company charged startup owners 3 million won (~SGD2,773) for training fees. Kitchen equipment costs ranged between 23 million won (~SGD21,263) and 28 million won (~SGD25,885).
Interior costs covering lighting, tiles, flooring and electrical work were charged separately from these base fees.
South Korea has experienced a surge in disputes between franchisers and franchisees over margin fees. Franchisers generate profits by selling essential items including raw materials and processed materials that franchises must purchase.
Many franchisees are protesting what they consider excessive margin fees imposed by parent companies. The Korea Franchise Association reported that 2,491 franchisees from 17 major brands are currently pursuing lawsuits over such fees.
The incident represents a rare violent crime in Seoul, a generally safe capital city. South Korea recorded a murder rate of 1.3 per 100,000 people in 2021, well below the global average of approximately six per 100,000.
However, several stabbing cases have occurred recently in the country, including one incident in May where a man stabbed three police officers.
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