Medical Accidents: Less Than 50 Doctors Prosecuted Annually
- SEOUL, South Korea (April 26, 2025) — A recent government study analyzing criminal judgments related to medical accidents reveals an average of 34 doctors per year have faced...
- The study, commissioned by the government through the Korea Institute of Health and Social Affairs, was conducted by the Korea Criminal and Legal Policy Research Institute.The findings where...
- The report indicates that doctors, dentists, and oriental medicine practitioners faced charges related to professional negligence.
Medical Malpractice Prosecutions: government Study Reveals Trends
Table of Contents
- Medical Malpractice Prosecutions: government Study Reveals Trends
- Government Initiated Research
- Prosecution Numbers compared to Medical Claims
- Discrepancies in Data
- Specialty Areas Affected
- Trial Outcomes
- Burden on Medical Professionals
- Future Plans
- medical Malpractice Prosecutions: A Look at Recent Trends
- What’s the Main Focus of the Government Study?
- How Many Doctors Face Prosecution annually?
- Who Conducted the Medical Malpractice Study?
- How Do Prosecution Numbers Compare to Claims by the Korean Medical Association (KMA)?
- Which Medical Specialties are Most Affected?
- What Are the Typical Outcomes of Medical Malpractice Trials?
- Common Penalties in Medical Malpractice Cases
- How Does Medical Malpractice Prosecution Affect Medical Professionals?
- What Are the Future Plans Related to this Research?
SEOUL, South Korea (April 26, 2025) — A recent government study analyzing criminal judgments related to medical accidents reveals an average of 34 doctors per year have faced prosecution over teh last five years. Even factoring in cases resolved without formal trials, the total number of annual prosecutions remains below 50, according to medical and legal professionals.
Government Initiated Research
The study, commissioned by the government through the Korea Institute of Health and Social Affairs, was conducted by the Korea Criminal and Legal Policy Research Institute.The findings where shared with the Medical Reform Special Committee.
Prosecution Numbers compared to Medical Claims
The report indicates that doctors, dentists, and oriental medicine practitioners faced charges related to professional negligence. Of the 192 defendants identified in the study, 170 were doctors. Cases dismissed without a formal trial were not individually tallied, but the Ministry of Justice estimates fewer than 10 medical accident cases are terminated by instructors annually.
These figures stand in contrast to claims made by the Korean Medical Association (KMA). The KMA previously cited a 2022 report suggesting that South Korea saw 754.8 prosecutions between 2013 and 2018, a figure they claimed was 800 to 900 times higher than in the United Kingdom.
Discrepancies in Data
Though, the KMA later clarified that their initial figures represented the number of suspects, not actual prosecutions. In October of last year, the association revised its estimate to approximately 323 prosecutions per year, based on the average rate of indictment among suspects.
Specialty Areas Affected
The government’s research also highlighted the proportion of prosecutions across different medical specialties. Orthopedic surgeons and plastic surgeons accounted for 15% of the 190 defendants, with 30 and 29 individuals respectively. Essential medical fields such as obstetrics and gynecology, emergency medicine, and pediatrics represented a smaller percentage, ranging from 3% to 6%.
Trial Outcomes
Of the 172 trial rulings analyzed,123 (71.5%) resulted in guilty verdicts, while 48 cases (27.9%) were acquitted, and one was dismissed.Fines were the most common penalty, accounting for over 30% of the sentences.
Burden on Medical Professionals
Even when complaints and accusations do not lead to formal charges, medical professionals face significant burdens, according to sources familiar with the matter.
“if medical staff are investigated, their medical practice is disrupted, and the psychological pressure is very strong,” said one member familiar with the situation. “Based on personal experience, the investigation was more intense and longer than other types of events.”
Future Plans
The government intends to release the finalized research report in May, following further revisions and additions.
medical Malpractice Prosecutions: A Look at Recent Trends
This article analyzes a recent government study on medical malpractice prosecutions in South Korea. It explores key findings, data discrepancies, and the impact of these cases on medical professionals.
What’s the Main Focus of the Government Study?
The primary focus is to analyze criminal judgments related to medical accidents. The study reveals trends in prosecutions over the last five years.
How Many Doctors Face Prosecution annually?
On average, 34 doctors per year have faced prosecution over the last five years, according to this study. The total number of annual prosecutions remains below 50 if cases resolved without formal trials are included.
Who Conducted the Medical Malpractice Study?
The Korea Institute of Health and Social Affairs commissioned the study. The Korea Criminal and Legal Policy Research Institute conducted the research.
How Do Prosecution Numbers Compare to Claims by the Korean Medical Association (KMA)?
The study contrasts with previous claims made by the KMA. The KMA previously cited figures from a 2022 report. it suggested that South Korea saw a much higher number of prosecutions compared to the United Kingdom. Though, the KMA later clarified that their initial figures represented the number of suspects, not actual prosecutions. In October of the prior year, the association revised its estimate to approximately 323 prosecutions per year.
Which Medical Specialties are Most Affected?
The government’s research highlights the varying proportions of prosecutions across different medical specialties.
Here’s a breakdown:
| Specialty | Percentage of Defendants | Number of Individuals (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Orthopedic Surgeons | 15% | 30 |
| Plastic Surgeons | 15% | 29 |
| Obstetrics & Gynecology | 3% – 6% | N/A |
| Emergency Medicine | 3% – 6% | N/A |
| Pediatrics | 3% – 6% | N/A |
What Are the Typical Outcomes of Medical Malpractice Trials?
Of the 172 trial rulings analyzed:
71.5% (123 cases) resulted in guilty verdicts.
27.9% (48 cases) resulted in acquittals.
* One case was dismissed.
Common Penalties in Medical Malpractice Cases
Fines were the most common penalty, accounting for over 30% of the sentences.
How Does Medical Malpractice Prosecution Affect Medical Professionals?
Medical professionals face important burdens, even when complaints don’t lead to formal charges: Investigations can disrupt medical practice and cause substantial psychological pressure.
The government intends to release the finalized research report in May, following further revisions and additions.