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🇰🇷 South Korea /Crime & Justice

Trial delays, investigation obstruction... Attendees at '2nd anniversary of death of patient in isolation/restraint' demand severe punishment for those responsible

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Sources not specified In the courts
  • Families of patients who died in isolation and restraint at W Jin Hospital gathered to commemorate the second anniversary of their deaths, demanding accountability.
  • Relatives expressed frustration over trial delays and alleged obstruction of investigations, stating that the legal process is prolonging their suffering.
  • The group called for severe punishment for those responsible, including hospital director Yang Jae-woong, criticizing the release on bail of the primary doctor involved.

Families of patients who died in isolation and restraint at W Jin Hospital gathered on the second anniversary of the tragedy, demanding justice and accountability. The commemoration, held in front of the Bucheon Branch of the Incheon District Prosecutors' Office, saw relatives expressing deep sorrow and anger over the prolonged wait for truth and punishment.

It has been two years since we lost our beloved daughter, and eight seasons have passed, but our family's time has stopped.

· Im Mi-jin (pseudonym)A bereaved mother expressing her grief and frustration at the commemoration ceremony.

"It has been two years since we lost our beloved daughter, and eight seasons have passed, but our family's time has stopped," said Im Mi-jin (pseudonym), 62, her voice choked with tears. She lamented the feeling of helplessness as time passes without resolution. "I will fight until the end to uncover the truth and see those who harmed my daughter punished," she vowed, clutching her daughter's photo.

The trial for the doctor and four nurses and nursing assistants accused of professional negligence resulting in death is ongoing. They are accused of administering psychotropic drugs that caused intestinal obstruction, leading to the patient's death, without proper medical examination. Seven hospital staff, including director Yang Jae-woong, were sent to prosecutors but have not yet been indicted.

I will fight until the end to uncover the truth and see those who harmed my daughter punished.

· Im Mi-jin (pseudonym)A mother vowing to continue seeking justice for her daughter's death.

Relatives criticized the defendants for delaying the trial by not admitting evidence and shifting blame. The release on bail of the primary doctor was described as a "second death sentence" for the families. Lawyers representing the victims noted that the defendants' denial of all evidence suggests a lengthy trial. They also pointed out the increasing defense arguments that isolation and restraint were necessary due to the patient's violent behavior.

The trial defendants are delaying the process by not admitting all evidence and shifting responsibility.

· Im Mi-jin (pseudonym)Criticizing the defendants' legal strategy during the commemoration.

Calls for the strict punishment of hospital director Yang Jae-woong were also prominent. Kang Jeong-ok, a representative from the Songpa Mental Health Peer Support Center, stated, "Yang Jae-woong is a medical professional who must be responsible for patient rights, not just a celebrity. The truth of W Jin Hospital must be revealed, and legal responsibility, especially that of the hospital director, must be clearly established."

The release on bail of the detained primary doctor was like giving our family a second death sentence.

· Im Mi-jin (pseudonym)Expressing the emotional impact of the doctor's release on the victim's family.
About this summary

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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