"Physical Assault and Other Violence"… Final Letter of National Institute of Fisheries Science Researcher

Researcher in Their 30s Leaves Note Alleging "Verbal Abuse and Unfair Treatment"

Ministry of Employment and Labor Launches Special Inspection at Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute

The Ministry of Employment and Labor has launched a planned inspection in connection with the death of a researcher in his 30s, who worked at a research institute under the National Institute of Fisheries Science and reportedly died after complaining of workplace bullying. According to reports, the deceased left a note stating that he had repeatedly suffered abusive language, physical assault, and unfair treatment from his superiors.

On May 20, Yonhap News reported that the Daejeon Regional Employment and Labor Office's Regional Labor Standards Supervision Division began a labor inspection of the Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, which is affiliated with the National Institute of Fisheries Science, starting that day.

The deceased, identified as Mr. A, had been working as a contract researcher at the Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute. According to the bereaved family, Mr. A wrote in his final letter that he had suffered verbal abuse and unfair treatment from certain supervisors at work.

In particular, it has been reported that the letter detailed four instances of physical assault by a supervisor, including grabbing Mr. A by the hair so forcefully that his head was bent backward—indicating repeated assaults. To date, two superiors have been identified as those who abused their authority over Mr. A.

The bereaved family has filed a complaint based on this information, and the police have also launched an investigation.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor plans to investigate all allegations of workplace bullying at the research institute during this inspection, as well as to check for any additional cases. The ministry also announced it will focus on violations of labor laws, including organizational culture, working hours management, and discrimination against non-regular workers. The ministry stated that if any illegalities are found as a result of the investigation, strict action will be taken.

The National Institute of Fisheries Science has relieved the director of the Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute from his duties following the controversy. An official from the institute stated, "The director of the institute is currently discussing further personnel measures with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries." The official added, "Separately from the Ministry of Employment and Labor, the headquarters' audit team is also conducting an investigation," and continued, "We will faithfully cooperate in verifying the facts related to this incident."

Vice Minister of Employment and Labor Kwon Changjun said, "I express my condolences for the tragic death of this worker in his 30s," adding, "We will thoroughly guide future efforts to prevent recurrence through a clear investigation and stern measures."

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