25.10.26.Today News : Yang Jae-woong and 11 Hospital Staff Sent to Prosecutors Over Patient Restraint Death

Yang Jae-woong and 11 Hospital Staff Sent to Prosecutors Over Patient Restraint Death

📍30s Patient Died After Two Hours of Restraint — Case Reopened After Human Rights Probe, 12 Medical Staff Under Fire

Psychiatrist and media personality Yang Jae-woong, head of W Jin Hospital in Bucheon, has been referred to prosecutors along with 11 other medical staff over the death of a patient who died after being restrained in a locked ward. The case, which had initially been closed, resurfaced after a reinvestigation by the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) led to a renewed police probe and prosecutorial action.

Dr. Yang Jae-woong, a psychiatrist and broadcaster who serves as director of Bucheon W-Gene Hospital, has been referred to prosecutors along with 11 other medical staff members in connection with the death of a patient who died from an overdose.

---

🔹Case Overview
On the evening of May 26, 2023, a 33-year-old patient surnamed Park admitted for diet pill addiction treatment complained of severe abdominal pain and requested release from isolation at W Jin Hospital’s closed ward. Instead of providing medical evaluation, the hospital enforced a “five-point restraint”, binding Park’s hands, feet, and chest to a bed.

After approximately two hours, Park was found unconscious and in cardiac arrest around 3:30 a.m. on May 27. Despite resuscitation attempts, Park died. A National Forensic Service autopsy suggested the cause of death was “acute pseudo-obstruction,” a condition where intestinal movement stops, leading to distension and organ failure without prompt treatment. Experts noted that timely medical intervention could have prevented the death.

🔹Initial Investigation and Human Rights Involvement
The Bucheon Wonmi Police Station initially began investigating the case but suspended proceedings due to delays in medical association assessments. The victim’s family accused six medical staff of professional negligence resulting in death and abandonment.

The National Human Rights Commission later launched an ex officio investigation, concluding that the hospital restrained the patient without sufficient medical justification and failed to provide emergency care. The NHRCK also found signs that some medical records were falsified or altered and referred the case to the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office, prompting a new investigation by the Gyeonggi Southern Police Agency. Eventually, 12 individuals, including Yang, were sent to prosecutors.

🔹Those Referred and Charges
Those referred include Yang Jae-woong, the attending physician, two nurses, four nursing assistants, and two caregivers — a total of 12 people. The attending physician, surnamed Heo, was referred under detention for professional negligence resulting in death, while Yang faces violations of the Mental Health Act, the Medical Service Act, and professional negligence charges.

Police investigations revealed the hospital failed to follow proper restraint protocols, and on-duty physicians did not personally assess the patient’s condition. An official stated, “The hospital did not adhere to safety procedures, lacked an emergency response, and the director bears responsibility for inadequate supervision.”

🔹Family’s Appeal and Public Reaction
The victim’s mother said, “The police’s thorough investigation and referral to prosecutors restored my faith in justice. I hope the prosecution and court uncover the full truth.” She emphasized that “this is not just one person’s tragedy but a systemic human rights failure in psychiatric wards,” calling for reforms to end inhumane medical practices against the mentally ill.

Meanwhile, 34 mental health advocacy groups, including the Korean Mental Disability Association, plan to hold a press conference outside Bucheon District Prosecutors’ Office on the 27th, demanding strict punishment for the accused medical staff. The organizations described the incident as “a symbolic case exposing the human rights blind spots in psychiatric care” and urged the government to strengthen oversight and reform hospital protocols.

🔹Yang Jae-woong’s Statement
Two months after the incident, Yang issued an official apology through his agency, Mystic Story, acknowledging his responsibility as hospital director. He stated, “I sincerely apologize to the deceased and the bereaved family, and I will fully cooperate with the investigation while improving hospital systems to prevent recurrence.”

One-line summary : Police have referred psychiatrist Yang Jae-woong and 11 other W Jin Hospital staff to prosecutors over the death of a restrained patient, following renewed investigation by the National Human Rights Commission.