A former employee has taken legal action against her previous employer, alleging unpaid overtime wages in violation of federal and state labor laws. Chaesook Kang filed a complaint on November 25, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Jooprise, Inc., Chul-Jong Joo, and Jin Soon Joo.
Chaesook Kang's lawsuit is rooted in claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Illinois Minimum Wage Law (IMWL). According to the complaint, Kang worked for Jooprise, Inc. from August 2014 until December 30, 2023. Throughout her employment, she alleges that she was not compensated for overtime hours worked beyond the standard 40-hour workweek. The FLSA mandates that employees be paid one and one-half times their regular hourly rate for any hours worked over forty per week. However, Kang claims that despite working approximately fifty-eight hours weekly during her tenure with Jooprise, Inc., she did not receive the legally required overtime pay.
The defendants in this case include Jooprise, Inc., an Illinois corporation engaged in commerce as defined by federal law; Chul-Jong Joo; and Jin Soon Joo. Both individuals are principal shareholders involved in the daily operations of Jooprise, Inc., possessing authority over hiring decisions and employee compensation matters. The complaint asserts that these defendants failed to adhere to labor standards by neglecting to pay due overtime wages.
Kang seeks a judgment from the court awarding her one and one-half times her regular pay rate for all excess hours worked beyond forty per week. Additionally, she requests liquidated damages equivalent to unpaid overtime compensation and reasonable attorney fees incurred during this legal pursuit. Furthermore, under state law provisions outlined in IMWL Section 820 ILCS 105/12(a), Kang seeks treble damages plus five percent interest per month on any underpayments identified.
Representing Chaesook Kang is attorney Kenneth C. Apicella from Drost, Gilbert, Andrew & Apicella LLC based in Palatine, Illinois. The case has been assigned Case ID: 1:24-cv-12162.