"Resigned Due to Workplace Harassment"... Chosun University Hospital Partially Acknowledges Claims

Confirmation of Hospital's Internal Investigation Report

Exterior view of Chosun University Hospital.

Chosun University Hospital conducted an internal investigation following a former employee's complaint of workplace harassment, and some of the allegations were found to be true.

According to Chosun University Hospital on August 2, the results of the investigation into allegations of workplace harassment?such as creating a threatening atmosphere, public humiliation, criticism, and disregard?were delivered to the former employee, identified as A, on July 30.

A joined the hospital in November 2023 as a contract worker in the appointment scheduling department and claimed to have been harassed by four colleagues from the same department.

At the request of the Ministry of Employment and Labor, the hospital continued its investigation from July 2 and determined that two out of the five incidents reported by A constituted partial workplace harassment.

One incident recognized as harassment involved some employees mocking or ridiculing A using onomatopoeic sounds after A failed to hear a colleague's announcement while on a call for appointment scheduling.

At the end of June, regardless of whether A was at fault, a patient complaint was raised against the department. In a group chat on social media, A's name was mentioned and publicly criticized, which was also identified as harassment.

However, incidents such as not sharing materials for work convenience and claims of psychological distress from being forced to work during lunch hours were deemed to fall within the normal scope of work and were not recognized as workplace harassment.

A resigned on July 4, immediately after receiving a diagnosis requiring more than six months of outpatient treatment.

A's side claimed, "I was repeatedly criticized and pressured by colleagues for having fewer appointment cases than others. This led to anxiety and withdrawal, and eventually, I was unable to perform my duties properly."

They added, "Since some incidents have been acknowledged as workplace harassment, we hope appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. Although I have resigned, if no proper measures are taken, we will file another complaint with the labor authorities."

A representative from Chosun University Hospital stated, "We cannot disclose specific details, and the related investigation is currently ongoing in accordance with regulations and procedures."