Labor Ministry Launches Labor Inspection at Gwangju Hospital Following Nurse 'Taeum' Case

The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced on Wednesday (July 1) that it has launched a labor inspection at a hospital in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, following the death of a nurse in her 20s who allegedly took her own life after suffering from workplace bullying known as 'taeum.'

The deceased nurse, identified as A, reportedly suffered from persistent bullying, including repeated verbal abuse and unfair treatment by senior nurses during her time at the hospital.

After resigning from the hospital in April last year, A reported the workplace bullying to the local labor office.

The labor office's review committee acknowledged some of the claims of workplace bullying and ordered the hospital to take corrective measures.

However, critics pointed out that the measures were insufficient, as the labor office only determined whether bullying had occurred, while the level of corrective action was left to the hospital's discretion.

In response, the Ministry of Labor stated that the Gyeonggi Regional Employment and Labor Office and the Seongnam Branch plan to conduct a thorough investigation during the labor inspection, not only into the allegations of bullying against the deceased but also to check for any additional victims among all staff members.

The ministry intends to strictly address any violations of labor laws, including intensive checks on issues such as working hours.

Furthermore, as the 'taeum' culture remains prevalent among nurses, the Ministry of Labor plans to conduct additional labor inspections at small and medium-sized hospitals and clinics that have received a high number of bullying reports or anonymous tips by region.

'Taeum' is a term referring to a culture where senior nurses bully junior nurses under the guise of training, derived from the expression meaning to "burn until one becomes ashes."

Nurses explain that while it is presented as training, it is effectively no different from workplace bullying.

The ministry added that it will actively encourage hospitals nationwide to participate in 'Workplace Innovation Win-Win Consulting.'

The ministry is currently conducting a survey on the status of workplace bullying prevention and response, focusing on small and medium-sized hospitals and clinics.

Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Young-hoon stated, "It is regrettable that high-handed workplace bullying between senior and junior nurses still occurs within hospitals." He added, "Along with strict measures, we will actively promote consulting, education, and awareness campaigns to fundamentally improve organizational culture and perceptions."
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.