South Korean firefighter dies by suicide after forced drinking sessions with superiors; 2 fired, 13 disciplined

A 29-year-old female firefighter in South Korea's Gwangsan Fire Station died by suicide last October, an act authorities now attribute to severe workplace harassment. Over a 15-month period, she was reportedly compelled to attend 24 drinking sessions with her superiors. The tragic outcome has led to a significant investigation and disciplinary actions against those involved.

An investigation by the State Administration Office confirmed the allegations, finding that the firefighter was pressured to join drinking parties and was specifically asked to sit between her station chief and section chief, or next to the section chief. This pattern of behavior was deemed the most serious workplace harassment the president had encountered.

In response to the findings, 15 individuals have been recommended for disciplinary action. Two have been dismissed from their positions, 10 have received severe penalties such as demotion or suspension, and three have faced lighter sanctions including salary reductions or reprimands. The Fire Department has not specified the identities of those dismissed or the exact nature of the punishments for the remaining 13.