Ministry of Labor Launches Labor Inspection into Gwangju, Gyeonggi Hospital Following New Nurse's Death from "Taeum" Bullying

The Ministry of Employment and Labor has launched a labor inspection into a hospital in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, following the death of a nurse in her twenties who had experienced so-called “taeum”—a term for workplace bullying—while working there.

On July 1, the ministry announced that the Gyeonggi Regional Employment and Labor Office and the Seongnam Branch Office will conduct a special labor inspection of the hospital in question. According to media reports, the deceased, identified as Ms. A, was subjected to repeated verbal abuse and unreasonable work orders from senior nurses, and suffered ongoing workplace harassment. After resigning in April last year, Ms. A reported the workplace bullying to the labor office, which, after review, acknowledged certain instances of harassment and ordered the hospital to take corrective action.

However, under the current system, the labor office’s role is limited to determining whether workplace harassment occurred and recommending corrective measures, while specific disciplinary or follow-up actions are left to the discretion of the employer. This structure has been criticized for its lack of effectiveness.

The ministry plans to use this labor inspection to investigate not only the harassment allegations involving the deceased, but also whether other employees at the hospital suffered similar harm. The inspection will also examine compliance with labor laws regarding working hours, wages, and break periods. If any violations are found, the ministry promises to take strict action.

The ministry will also strengthen its review of the “taeum” culture in the nursing community in light of this incident. Additional labor inspections will be conducted at other small and mid-sized hospitals and clinics in regions where repeated reports of workplace bullying or anonymous tips have been received.

“Taeum” refers to a toxic organizational culture in which senior nurses harshly train or bully new nurses, originating from the expression “burning until it turns to ashes.” The ministry is actively encouraging hospitals nationwide to participate in its “Workplace Innovation and Mutual Growth Consulting” program, and is conducting surveys at small and mid-sized hospitals and clinics to assess workplace bullying prevention and response practices.

Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Young-hoon stated, “It is regrettable that oppressive workplace bullying between senior and junior nurses continues to occur in hospital settings. We will not only enforce strict supervision and measures, but also actively promote consulting, education, and public campaigns to achieve fundamental improvements in organizational culture and awareness.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.