South Korea fire officials receive mass disciplinary action over bullying case

A female firefighter in Gwangju, identified as firefighter A, died after reporting workplace bullying and forced participation in drinking events. An inspection by the Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of Public Administration found that fire officials repeatedly compelled her to attend 24 drinking gatherings from July 2024 to early October 2023, used inappropriate language such as "call me brother," and mishandled personal counselling records.

On 24 June 2024 the Gwangju Fire Department disciplinary committee met to decide penalties for 15 officials implicated by the inspection. Two officials were dismissed, twelve received severe disciplinary measures, and three were given lighter sanctions. Two fire agency members are undergoing separate internal procedures, while the remaining fifteen are under the committee’s jurisdiction.