Jobseekers flock to BBQ after fried chicken joint raises starting salary

Chicken franchise Genesis BBQ raises the salary for this year‘s first-year recruits by 33.5 percent to 45.4 million won ($36,200). [BBQ]

Fried chicken franchise Genesis BBQ's 33.5 percent salary hike for new employees has attracted around 2,500 jobseekers.

BBQ has raised the salary for this year's first-year recruits from 34 million won ($27,100) to 45.4 million won following its Chairman Yoon Hong-geun's call for "new talent management."

"This is the first time since the company came into business that we have seen such a number of applicants," BBQ said in a statement on Tuesday. "In just two weeks, 2,500 candidates have applied for jobs."

The fried chicken company recruited new employees in seven areas including management, operation, marketing and strategic planning. Management and operation fields saw the highest number of applicants.

"We need to move forward with bold, innovative management in order to break through various challenges such as global inflation and soaring interest rates," Yoon said. "The move to raise the salary for new recruits comes under the need to recruit competent talents with potential."

BY JEONG HYE-JEONG [sohn.dongjoo@joongang.co.kr]