Deceased Gwangju firefighter's colleagues demand end to bullying, forced drinking

Colleagues of a female firefighter who died in Gwangju are urging for a fundamental reform of the organization's culture, citing workplace bullying and forced drinking as potential factors in her death. The Gwangju Fire Department is currently under investigation by the Office for Government Policy Coordination.

The investigation is focusing on the department where the firefighter, identified as A, worked and her supervisors. Officials are examining allegations of workplace harassment, including pressure to consume alcohol, and are also looking into claims that the department ignored requests from A's family for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

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I can't understand how this could happen when the organizational culture is changing so much. It breaks my heart to think about the pain and suffering that young employee must have endured. I hope for a clear investigation and measures to prevent recurrence so that the majority of firefighters who quietly protect the field can regain pride in their organization.

Many firefighters are expressing deep concern over the persistence of harmful traditions within the service. They point to a rigid hierarchical structure and a culture that makes reporting grievances difficult, suggesting these systemic issues need urgent attention to prevent future tragedies. Some believe the slow pace of personnel rotation in Gwangju's fire service contributes to the entrenchment of these problems.

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It's difficult to report because it's a small organization, and if a report is made, it's easy to identify who the whistleblower is, especially since there are few female employees.

"I was surprised that this is still happening," said one team leader. "I can't understand how this could happen when the organizational culture is changing so much. It breaks my heart to think about the pain and suffering that young employee must have endured. I hope for a clear investigation and measures to prevent recurrence so that the majority of firefighters who quietly protect the field can regain pride in their organization."

Another firefighter noted that while internal reporting systems like 'Red Whistle' exist, they are often ineffective. "It's difficult to report because it's a small organization, and if a report is made, it's easy to identify who the whistleblower is, especially since there are few female employees," they explained. Concerns were also raised about senior male officers pressuring female staff to attend work-related drinking events, making it difficult to refuse such invitations. A former firefighter added that the deeply rooted culture of hierarchy and drinking-centric social events continues to foster problems, suggesting that without breaking these habits, similar incidents are bound to happen again.

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The deeply rooted culture of hierarchy and drinking-centric social events continues to foster problems, suggesting that without breaking these habits, similar incidents are bound to happen again.