President Lee Jae-myung on Monday ordered a thorough investigation into the death of a nurse in her 20s caused by workplace harassment known as "taeum," calling it "a horrific form of violence that can never be justified."
"We have lost another precious life. At a hospital meant to save people, someone was deeply wounded and ultimately chose to give up on life," Lee said through X, formerly Twitter.
Lee said he would immediately launch a labor inspection of the hospital involved. "The truth of this case must be thoroughly uncovered," he said. "We will immediately begin a labor inspection of the hospital in question, and conduct random, surprise planned inspections targeting medical institutions with similar risks." He stressed that the government would "closely examine whether there was workplace harassment and violations of labor relations laws, and take stern measures if legal violations are confirmed." Addressing the police, he called for them to "clearly determine whether there were any illegal acts related to this case, leaving no room for doubt."
Lee also emphasized the need for fundamental improvements to hospital work environments. "What matters most is changing the structure behind these recurring tragedies," he said. "We will fundamentally improve the organizational culture and work environment within hospitals, expand workplace innovation consulting at medical sites, and pursue institutional measures to prevent workplace harassment and respond to it swiftly."
"Everyone has the right to work safely. Everyone has the right to work with respect," he added. "The government will fulfill its responsibility to ensure that this most basic right is protected in the workplace."
