Two Arrested Including Doctor at Gwangju Spine Hospital for 'Proxy Surgery'

Western Region Spine Hospital Accused of Hundreds of Proxy Surgeries Since 2018

Three people, including a spine specialist doctor from a hospital in the Gwangju area accused of performing surrogate surgery, are coming out after completing the pre-arrest suspect interrogation held at the Gwangju District Court on the morning of the 5th. Photo by Jin-Hyung Park bless4ya@

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Jin-hyung] Two individuals, including a doctor and a nursing assistant from a spine specialty hospital in the Gwangju area, have been arrested on charges of performing proxy surgeries.

On the 5th, Judge Kim Jong-geun, in charge of warrants at the Gwangju District Court, issued arrest warrants for Doctor A (51) and Nursing Assistant B (50) from a spine specialty hospital in Seo-gu, who are accused of violating the Special Act on the Control of Health Crimes (illegal medical practitioner). The judge considered there was a risk of evidence destruction.

On the other hand, the warrant for Doctor C (60), who faces the same charges, was dismissed. It was judged that there was no risk of evidence destruction or flight, and considering C’s age, health condition, and criminal record, the necessity for detention was deemed difficult to recognize.

They are accused of ordering and carrying out proxy surgeries since 2018.

Before their detention, the three suspects, including A, underwent a suspect interrogation (warrant substantive examination) and did not respond to reporters’ questions such as “Do you admit the charges?” or “Did you perform proxy surgeries?” when leaving the courtroom.

Meanwhile, the police have booked a total of six people related to this case, including three doctors and three staff members (nursing assistants and non-medical personnel).

The police have secured videos and other evidence showing hospital auxiliary staff participating in medical acts such as skin incision and suturing before and after spine surgeries through a whistleblower.

However, the hospital side is known to have denied the charges, claiming that the videos showing proxy surgeries are false, while some suspects are reported to have admitted to the charges.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.