[Breaking] Gwangju Buk-gu Launches Investigation into Nursing Hospital over 'Salt Farm Slave Wage Siphoning' Allegations

Livelihood Benefits Diverted from Legally Incompetent Patients for Years
Disability Advocacy Groups File National Audit Petition for Dereliction of Duty

Gwangju Buk-gu District has launched a comprehensive investigation into a nursing hospital in Ilgok-dong, which is suspected of siphoning off livelihood benefits from individuals deemed legally incompetent. Disability advocacy groups have filed a petition for a national audit, citing inadequate oversight and supervision in connection with the Shinan salt farm labor exploitation case.

On the 26th, Gwangju Buk-gu District announced that it had begun investigating the director of Hospital A and others regarding the alleged embezzlement of basic livelihood benefits.

This action follows a report by The Asia Business Daily that revealed suspicions that the hospital had been diverting livelihood benefits intended for legally incompetent patients over an extended period.

Buk-gu District has identified a total of three legally incompetent individuals currently admitted to Hospital A. Among them, it has been reported that there is at least one victim of labor exploitation at the Shinan salt farm.

As the Shinan salt farm labor exploitation case has resurfaced recently, a victim previously reported missing was discovered at Hospital A. It has been reported that, until recently, several victims of salt farm labor exploitation had been admitted to this hospital.

Buk-gu District is also investigating indications that the hospital diverted not only livelihood benefits but also refunds from the health insurance copayment ceiling system. The district plans to consider filing criminal charges if the allegations are substantiated.

The Disabled People's Rights Research Institute and other disability advocacy groups have filed a petition for a national audit with the Board of Audit and Inspection, accusing local governments, labor offices, and the prosecution and police agencies of neglecting their duties in relation to the salt farm labor exploitation case.

At a press conference held at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on this day, the groups stated, "Despite the government's firm promises to prevent recurrence, another incident has occurred in which the labor of people with disabilities was exploited for a long period at the salt farms, and their basic human rights were brutally violated." They continued, "Victim Jang, who went missing in 1988, was forced to work at the salt farm for as long as 36 years without being able to escape. Even after his victimization was confirmed, the relevant authorities failed to carry out the emergency separation measures mandated by the 'Act on Welfare of Persons with Disabilities.'"

They further emphasized, "This is not merely a local issue," and urged, "The Board of Audit and Inspection must conduct a thorough audit of the Ministry of Employment and Labor, the prosecution, and the police for dereliction of duty."