The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of South Korea has decided to impose fines of 18 million won (approximately $15,000) each on two officials from Bangude Hospital for refusing to cooperate with an investigation initiated by the NHRC last year. This fines represent the first penalties issued by the commission in six years and are notably higher than any fines previously imposed. The decision follows serious allegations surrounding patient neglect at the hospital, particularly cases where patients with severe intellectual disabilities were killed by other patients in a closed ward, raising serious concerns about safety and oversight in such facilities.

According to insiders at the NHRC, the commission finalized the penalty after investigating the hospital's obstruction of its inquiries, with the decision made in mid-January. The hospital's administrative head, identified as Kim, possesses connections to the hospital's director, adding complexities to the accountability process. The previous deputy administrative head, who also failed to assist the NHRC investigation, reportedly resigned after the incident. As the fines were formalized recently, it is still possible for adjustments to be made based on any appeals or further reviews during the final determination phase.

The investigative process revealed a troubling pattern of human rights violations, including two separate incidents in 2022 and 2024, where patients in the hospital were assaulted and killed by other residents. The refusal by Bangude Hospital to allow NHRC access to conduct a proper investigation raises serious questions about the oversight mechanisms within healthcare facilities in South Korea. Over the past decade, fines for non-compliance with NHRC investigations have been exceptionally rare, with only one noted case in 2020. This substantial penalty may set a precedent for stricter enforcement of human rights regulations in healthcare settings in the future.