Urology Specialist Hong Seong-woo Accused of Verbal Abuse and Assault
Hospital Official Tells Media "Admitted and Resigned with Signature"
Hong "Never Swore in Front of Patients," Sues Nurse
Urologist Hong Seong-woo, widely known as 'Kkwa-chu-hyung,' has completely denied allegations of verbal abuse, assault, and sexual harassment against colleagues at a hospital where he previously worked. However, it has been revealed that he actually agreed to a recommended resignation due to workplace harassment.
"Multiple employee reports in October 2021... Hong Seong-woo admits to power abuse"
A hospital official where Hong worked stated, "It is true that in October 2021, multiple employees reported workplace harassment and sexual harassment by Hong Seong-woo. At that time, Hong only admitted to power abuse but denied sexual harassment, then signed a recommended resignation letter and left," on the 27th to Sports Kyunghyang.
It was also confirmed that there are multiple employee statements containing reports of workplace harassment by Hong. According to the statements, Hong continuously verbally abused many nurses and committed acts of assault such as throwing surgical instruments inside the operating room.
One employee testified, "(Hong) came into the operating room and vented his anger, using abusive language such as 'damn it,' 'get lost,' 'are you guys researching how to harass me,' and 'aren't your parents like this,' which was humiliating and made him seem inhuman. I was also shocked to witness him making derogatory remarks about patients from certain regions multiple times," the testimony revealed.
Former hospital nurse exposes... "Trouble arose after he became famous" dismissal
Earlier, a nurse who worked with Hong at the hospital revealed on the 22nd, "I suffered verbal abuse and assault from Hong Seong-woo, and it made me want to die. The harassment lasted for six months, and it caused me to feel a sense of self-loathing about my work."
In response, Hong stated, "I left my previous workplace on bad terms. Trouble arose because I became famous," drawing a line. As the controversy continued, he rebutted, "I never verbally abused, assaulted, or sexually harassed my former colleagues. If I had, I hope they would present evidence. I can also disclose 3 to 4 years' worth of conversation messages."
He added, "About 10 days before the recommended resignation, I heard through other employees that an investigation was being conducted on me. Even though I said there was no such thing, I was recommended to resign as of November 1, 2021."
Regarding the claims of swearing in the operating room or throwing surgical instruments, he questioned, "Because of the nature of urology, patients receive minimal anesthesia and are awake. Is it common sense to swear at colleagues or throw surgical tools in front of patients?"
It was reported that on the 24th, Hong's side filed a police complaint against a nurse affiliated with the hospital for defamation by false facts.
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