Government Employee Booked for Posting Derogatory Comments About Deceased Firefighter Who Reported Workplace Bullying

Police Investigate Defamation Allegations

A government employee is under police investigation after posting derogatory comments online about a female firefighter who died after reporting workplace bullying.

The Gwangju Metropolitan Police Agency announced on August 7, 2026, that it has booked, without detention, an official from Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City Hall on suspicion of posthumous defamation.

The official, referred to as A, is accused of posting content that damaged the reputation of a female firefighter from Gwangsan Fire Station—who had reported workplace bullying and later passed away—on an anonymous community for government employees.

The police launched an investigation after receiving a complaint from the bereaved family in early July and have since identified the author of the post. Authorities are currently verifying the circumstances and specific content of the post.

Investigation revealed that A is a public official working at an agency under Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City, but is not a firefighter.

Meanwhile, a government office investigation into the female firefighter's death revealed that there were some improper practices within the fire department, such as forced drinking and pressure to attend work gatherings. As a result, disciplinary procedures were carried out against 15 related personnel—12 received severe disciplinary action and 3 received lighter disciplinary action.

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