Korean restaurateur alleges harassment by Gurugram mall

A South Korean woman, Hyang Lee, has accused the management of Global Foyer Mall on Gurugram’s Golf Course Road of harassment over the operation of her restaurant, MISO. The matter drew police attention after her video alleging repeated disruptions by the mall went viral on social media.

In the video, released on Friday, Lee claimed despite paying rent and maintenance charges, the mall authorities had repeatedly disconnected her restaurant’s water and electricity supply. The Gurugram police, acknowledging the civil nature of the dispute, stated on Saturday they would facilitate a meeting between both parties on Monday.

“I have been running my restaurant legally for 14 years, complying with all Indian laws and licenses. For the past three years, the mall management and builder have harassed me by illegally cutting essential services. If no action is taken, I’ll be forced to return to my country with a bitter experience,” Lee said in her statement.

She has also lodged a complaint with the Gurugram police and written to the South Korean Embassy. In her letter, Lee alleged the mall’s actions were aimed at coercing her to vacate the leased premises. She said the disruptions have caused significant financial losses and urged authorities to safeguard her right to conduct business.

According to an official police statement, a complaint was registered at the Sushant Lok police station on August 7. The following day, a meeting was held at the police station between Lee and the mall management, during which it was established that Lee had been operating her restaurant in the mall for approximately 14 years.

The police said the mall management had served a demand notice of Rs 9 lakh to Lee, alleging damage to the mall building due to water leakage from her restaurant. As Lee had not paid the amount, a dispute over electricity and water services arose.

“The problem related to water and electricity was resolved in the last meeting, but the Rs 9 lakh demand remains under discussion. A follow-up meeting will be held on Monday in the presence of legal teams from both sides,” a Gurugram police spokesperson said.