Nurse's 'Taeum' Death: Gwangju Hospital Faces Forced Police Investigation; 3 Booked

Police have initiated a forced investigation into a hospital in Gwangju following the death of a nurse in her 20s, who allegedly died by suicide due to severe workplace bullying, known locally as 'taeum.' The Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency's Wide Area Criminal Investigation Division began searches and seizures at five locations, including the hospital where the nurse, identified as A, worked, on the morning of July 23.

Prior to the searches, police had booked three individuals connected to the hospital. The specific charges against them have not yet been disclosed. The investigation also includes the residences of the three booked individuals. Police aim to secure and analyze all relevant data, including A's work-related records and electronic devices, to ascertain the precise details of the incident.

Previously, police had interviewed relatives and a university friend of A as witnesses. They also received A's diary and mobile phone from her family for analysis. The diary, reportedly written over approximately one year during her employment at the hospital, contained details of the bullying she experienced, which she had also reported to the labor authorities. The labor authorities acknowledged some of A's claims as factual and had instructed the hospital to take corrective measures.

President Lee Jae-myung commented on the case via social media, stating that 'taeum' is an "unjustifiable and horrific violence." He urged the police to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into any illegal activities. Following the president's remarks, a 20-member investigation team, led by Wide Area Criminal Investigation Unit Chief Heo Tae-gyu, was formed to pursue the case.

'Taeum' refers to a culture where senior nurses severely bully and train junior nurses, originating from the expression 'burning until reduced to ashes.' A was found dead at her home on June 2.

(Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province) = Newsis

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Taeum is an unjustifiable and horrific violence. I hope the police will clearly investigate whether there were any illegal acts related to this case without a single doubt.