Organized by the bereavement support group—comprising grieving family members alongside local labor and civil society organizations—the gathering drew attendees to the hospital’s main gate for flower laying and memorial speeches. Following the ceremony, participants marched around the hospital perimeter to demand an official apology and concrete prevention measures from hospital management.
Demands for Investigation and Accountability
During the memorial event, the bereavement support group called for central government intervention to execute a thorough fact-finding investigation, punish perpetrators and responsible parties, take strict administrative action against the institution, and establish preventive protocols. The group has specifically demanded a prompt investigation by the Jeonbuk Provincial Police Agency and a special labor inspection by the Ministry of Employment and Labor, drawing comparisons to recent medical worker deaths in other regions.
She was found dead on June 29 after experiencing workplace anxiety and sleep disorders.
Workplace Conditions and Testimony
The bereavement support group stated that Lim endured arduous working conditions, including forced early arrivals, ungranted break times, and six-day workweeks. The group also reported facing unfair directives, strict operational control, and humiliating remarks, citing tips from previous employees that suggested recurring organizational culture issues within the department.
Lim’s father stated during the memorial that his daughter grew overwhelmed after starting her hospital job. “What we want is not compensation, but truth and a responsible apology,” he said, according to the Segye Ilbo.
A former radiologist who worked in the same department testified at a joint press conference held by family and civic groups last month. The former colleague described an environment differing from initial contract terms, citing frequent reprimands from senior staff and a rigid hierarchy, and noted that management failed to address complaints raised during the resignation process.
Hospital Response and Next Steps
Hospital representatives stated that the deliberation results remain confidential under privacy rules and that management awaits the outcome of the police investigation.
Rejecting internal reviews as insufficient for uncovering objective accountability regarding institutional culture and management oversight, the bereavement support group emphasized that outside authorities must step in. “Forty-nine days have passed since the deceased passed away, but the suffering of the bereaved family is not over,” the group stated, urging comprehensive inquiries to ensure responsible parties face appropriate consequences.
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