Ministry of Health and Welfare Executive Accused of Power Abuse Against Subordinate Agency Staff... Complaint Filed with Human Rights Commission

Ministry of Health and Welfare.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yeo Jong-gu] A manager from the Ministry of Health and Welfare is facing controversy over allegations of verbal abuse and offensive language directed at employees of its affiliated agencies.

The Korean Medicine Promotion Institute branch of the Korean Public Service and Transport Workers' Union (KPTU) held a press conference on the 7th in front of the National Human Rights Commission in Jung-gu, Seoul, urging the immediate removal of Manager A from duty for violating the civil servant code of conduct and engaging in power harassment, and called for a thorough investigation.

The union claims that Manager A openly exerted pressure on the affiliated agencies and compelled them to follow his instructions.

According to the union, in addition to verbal abuse, Manager A demanded exclusive contracts by leveraging personal friendships and exerted undue pressure on consulting service firms beyond his authority.

Furthermore, Manager A is said to have implied interference in personnel matters to the institute’s employees and abused his superior position and authority under the pretext of budget allocation.

Employees affected by Manager A’s actions reportedly are experiencing mental distress and are considering taking leave or resigning, expressing their suffering.

The union demanded from the Ministry of Health and Welfare “the immediate suspension of Manager A from his duties, a thorough investigation, strict punishment, and measures to prevent recurrence,” warning that “if these demands are not met, we will not hesitate to pursue legal action including claims for damages.”

The union has secured recordings of phone conversations between Manager A and employees and plans to respond to the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s future actions accordingly.

In response, Manager A reportedly has not received the union’s claims and has denied some parts of the allegations.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare stated that it will investigate the related suspicions and take appropriate measures.