Gyeonggi Bucheon Health Center confirms that the hospital operated by psychiatrist and broadcaster Yang Jae-woong submitted its closure notice on the 1st. Officials note no inpatients required transfer notifications, as the facility lacked dedicated full-time staff.
Hospital Background and Prior Incidents
The facility, led by director Ha Dang, opened in Bucheon in July 2010. It focused on mental health services and alcohol addiction treatment, maintaining 169 consultation slots as a key medical provider.
Director Ha Dang faced conviction for drunk driving in 2010 alongside the Jeongshin Mental Health Clinic president and an alcohol addiction center director. In 2024, Ha Dang encountered another accident, severely impacting operations.
Recent Patient Death and Indictments
A patient, hospitalized in May 2024 for diet drug addiction treatment, died 17 days later from acute chest obstruction. Prosecutors indicted the hospital for unlicensed medical practices and other medical law violations, imposing a three-month business suspension.
Despite the suspension, the facility continued operations for about 1.5 months before shutting down. Authorities link the closure to these events.
Ongoing Police Investigation
Investigators summoned five medical staff members, including the attending physician and nurses, for allegedly restraining the patient to a bed and administering drugs without proper safeguards. The probe extends to seven individuals connected to Yang Jae-woong, with prosecutors requesting supplementary evidence.
Personal Repercussions for Yang Jae-woong
The scandal affects Yang Jae-woong’s personal life. He publicly confirmed his relationship with EXID member Hanni in 2022 and planned marriage. However, following the incidents, Hanni indefinitely paused her music career, and their wedding remains postponed.
