"More Patients Dying" Outrage Over Immoral Post... Government Says "Seniors Must Correct It"

Investigation Underway on Creator of 'Blacklist' Regarding Return Intentions

Amid prolonged medical service gaps due to conflicts within the medical community, a recent post expressing the sentiment "I hope patients die" surfaced in an online community of doctors and medical students, sparking controversy. The government decided to request an investigation into the post while emphasizing that "senior members must correct this behavior."

On the 11th, Jung Yoon-soon, Director of the Health and Medical Policy Office at the Ministry of Health and Welfare, stated during a briefing on emergency medical and urgent care response, "It is very regrettable and unfortunate that some doctors or medical students have such misguided perceptions and behaviors." She added, "The medical community must ensure that the efforts of healthcare workers who stay by patients' sides are respected."

Amid ongoing disruptions in emergency rooms, on the morning of the 8th, a notice about delayed treatment was placed in front of the emergency medical center at a university hospital in Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the same day, in 'MediStaff,' an online community mainly composed of young doctors and medical students, a post mocking the so-called 'patient spinning' cases caused by the medical service gap incident appeared, containing highly offensive content. One community user even claimed, "I hope 1,000 patients die every day." Other shocking derogatory remarks included, "No feelings even if they die while wandering the emergency room," "I have no sympathy for those dogs and pigs," and "You made it like this."

As the controversy grew, the Ministry of Health and Welfare announced that after securing related evidence, it plans to request a police investigation targeting the post's author.

Jung Yoon-soon, Director General of Health and Medical Policy at the Ministry of Health and Welfare, is briefing on the current status of emergency room operations on the 11th at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Additionally, the government will investigate the so-called 'Grateful Doctors' blacklist, which contains the real names, student numbers, and workplace information of about 2,500 individuals, including returning residents, fellows working in hospitals, and medical students who have returned to school. This list openly mocks medical personnel returning to work or doctors working in emergency rooms, raising urgent calls for countermeasures.

Director Jung stated, "We have identified two suspects who created the list and are investigating their criminal activities," adding, "Three additional individuals have been booked on charges of aiding and abetting violations of the Stalking Punishment Act, and investigations are ongoing, with related parties being tracked."

She continued, "Maliciously disclosing the names of doctors currently providing care is a clear criminal act," emphasizing, "The government will strengthen interdepartmental cooperation and respond firmly to those who commit serious offenses."