Yangyang County Official Sentenced to 1 Year, 8 Months for Workplace Bullying and Assault

A public servant in Yangyang County has been handed a prison sentence of one year and eight months for egregious acts of workplace bullying and assault. The court's decision, delivered by Judge Joo Cheol-hyeon, found the 40-something official, surnamed K, guilty on all charges, including coercion, habitual threats, habitual assault, and insult. This ruling comes after prosecutors had sought a five-year sentence, highlighting the gravity with which the judiciary views such abuses of power.

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The nature of the crime is bad, and the degree of criticism is high, considering the number of offenses, the methods used, and the physical and mental suffering of the victims, and the victims' plea for strict punishment.

The case, which spanned from July to November last year, involved K subjecting three younger environmental sanitation workers to a barrage of mistreatment. This included forcing them to walk long distances by stopping the garbage truck far from their route, deliberately slowing the vehicle to impede their work, and engaging in a practice known as 'mungseokmari,' where victims are forced to lie on the ground and are then stepped on by others. K even invoked a 'state of emergency' play, linking it to his stock market losses and demanding victims buy shares to boost prices, and forcing them to wear red underwear for 'good luck.'

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The defendant has no prior criminal record, and although a certain amount was deposited, the victims refused to accept it, which was considered a limited factor in that efforts were made for compensation.

The court's sentencing emphasized the 'bad nature' of the crimes, the significant physical and mental suffering inflicted upon the victims, and their earnest pleas for severe punishment. While acknowledging K's self-confession and efforts at compensation, which included a deposited sum rejected by the victims, the court ultimately prioritized justice for those who endured such degrading treatment. This verdict sends a clear message that such behavior, particularly by those in positions of authority, will not be tolerated within the public service.

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We will declare a state of emergency until the stock price reaches the desired price.