Yangyang Ex-Official Gets 1 Year, 8 Months in Prison for Workplace Abuse

A former public official in Yangyang County has had his prison sentence upheld in an appellate trial for severe workplace bullying and assault. The court sentenced the 40-something official, who held a Grade 7 driver position, to 1 year and 8 months in prison, maintaining the original ruling.

The official, identified only as 'A,' was found guilty of coercion, habitual threats, habitual assault, and insult. He targeted three environmental cleaners under his supervision between July and November last year. His abusive actions included intentionally stopping the garbage truck far from their route, forcing them to run, and deliberately slowing the vehicle to impede their work.

During one incident, after his stock prices fell, 'A' declared a state of "emergency martial law" until the prices recovered. He also subjected the cleaners to a practice called 'Mongseokmari,' forcing them to lie on the ground and be stepped on by other victims. He further coerced them into showing him their underwear, demanding they wear red to boost stock prices, and pressured them to buy stocks.

The court emphasized the gravity of his actions and the lasting psychological impact on the victims, who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. Despite the defendant's apologies and appeals from acquaintances, the court found no reason to alter the original sentence, deeming it appropriate given the circumstances and the victims' pleas for strict punishment. The official has since been dismissed from his position by the provincial government.