Psychiatrist Yang Jae Woong's clinic allegedly used sedative potent enough to incapacitate an elephant

A shocking incident occurred at the clinic operated by psychiatrist and broadcaster Yang Jae Woong, where a patient, who had been restrained, died. Allegations have surfaced that the medical staff at Yang's clinic administered a high dose of a sedative potent enough to incapacitate an elephant.

According to a report by The Hankyoreh on August 6, a 10-year experienced psychiatrist reviewed the medical records of the deceased patient, identified as Ms. A, and noted that "the medications administered to Ms. A could cause significant side effects and were misused."

Ms. A had been admitted to Yang Jae Woong's clinic for treatment of addiction to the appetite suppressant Diethylpropion, commonly used for weight loss. Seventeen days after his admission, Ms. A passed away. An autopsy conducted by the National Forensic Service (NFS) suggested that the cause of death was intestinal obstruction.

The family of Ms. A disclosed CCTV footage showing Ms. A banging on the door of the isolation room, clutching his stomach, and begging to be let out. The medical staff, instead of addressing his distress, administered a sedative and restrained him to the bed. Despite showing signs of severe distress, including a swollen abdomen and nosebleeds, the staff did not take further action beyond removing the restraints.

The family has filed a criminal complaint against the medical staff of Yang's clinic for involuntary manslaughter and lodged a petition with the National Human Rights Commission. The police have initiated an investigation into the clinic for violations of medical law.

The family expressed outrage over the excessive administration of sedatives and tranquilizers, which reportedly resulted in near-lethal levels of sedatives found in Ms. A's blood during the NFS autopsy. Medical records indicate that Ms. A struggled to adapt to the unfamiliar hospital environment yet was still given high doses of psychotropic drugs.

According to The Hankyoreh, the psychiatrist reviewing the case indicated that Ms. A experienced gastrointestinal and muscular problems as side effects of the psychotropic drugs, but the medical staff did not monitor these issues.

The controversy deepened with claims that the staff administered a sedative known as the "elephant injection," due to its strong tranquilizing effects, worsening Ms. A's condition.

Yang Jae Woong expressed his sorrow and apology for the incident, stating, "I cannot conceal my profound sorrow over the death of Ms. A. I sincerely apologize to the bereaved family who are grieving their loss."

He added, "This incident occurred at a clinic where I am the representative, and I take this matter very seriously as the director. We are fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation, providing all necessary records, including medical charts and CCTV footage."

Yang assured, "Both myself and the medical staff will fully cooperate with the investigation and will take responsibility according to the medical and legal judgments. Once again, I extend my deepest condolences and sympathy to the bereaved family."

The family, however, expressed their continued frustration and anger, claiming that Yang Jae Woong and the clinic staff showed indifference even on the day of the announcement, passing by the grieving family without acknowledgment. The family accused Yang of issuing an apology only after the news became public, questioning his qualifications as a psychiatrist.

The conflict between the bereaved family and Yang Jae Woong's clinic is ongoing, with the family demanding accountability and justice for Ms. A's death.