20s Radiographer's Death Linked to Workplace Bullying; Family Demands Hospital Probe

The family of a young radiographer who died after allegedly suffering from workplace bullying has joined with labor and civic groups to demand a full investigation and an official apology from Donggunsan Hospital in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province. The group, calling itself the "Fact-Finding Committee for the Workplace Bullying Death of Radiographer Im Ga-hyeon at Donggunsan Hospital," held a press conference outside the hospital on July 30.

They urged police to conduct a thorough investigation and the Ministry of Employment and Labor to launch a special labor audit to uncover the truth behind the alleged bullying and the hospital's organizational culture. Im Ga-hyeon, 26, who worked as a contract radiographer at the hospital's health screening center, reportedly began experiencing fear of going to work and sleep disturbances shortly after joining in early June. She was found dead on June 29.

Im's father stated that his usually cheerful and responsible daughter deteriorated after starting at the hospital, fearing work due to excessive stress and workplace harassment. He expressed disappointment that the hospital had not offered a sincere apology after a month, instead appearing to attribute the issue to her personal problems, citing medication she was taking. "We are not seeking compensation, but the truth and a sincere apology," he said.

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We are not seeking compensation, but the truth and a sincere apology.

Former employees from the same department corroborated these claims, reporting experiences of different working conditions than their contracts stipulated, repeated harassment from seniors, and a hierarchical organizational culture. One former radiographer mentioned reporting issues to management upon resignation, but nothing changed, and Im was hired shortly after. The family's support group also highlighted alleged labor law violations, including early starts contrary to contracts, lack of guaranteed breaks, six-day workweeks, and unpaid overtime, in addition to the workplace bullying involving unfair orders, excessive workload, verbal abuse, and interference in personal life.

Donggunsan Hospital stated it has conducted its own internal investigation through an external labor attorney and is awaiting the police investigation results.

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We must clearly reveal the reality of the workplace bullying and organizational culture that drove the deceased to her death.