Case Overview:

The Seoul Administrative Court ruled that an employee who died from acute alcohol poisoning after three consecutive nights of company dinners (hoesik) suffered a work-related death.

The court ordered the Korea Workers’ Compensation and Welfare Service (KCOMWEL) to grant survivor benefits and funeral expenses to the employee’s widow.


Facts of the Case:

Mr. B, an employee in the wireless business division of Company A Electronics, attended company gatherings from June 29 to July 1, 2022.

On July 2, he was found dead in his car from acute alcohol intoxication.

The first two dinners (June 29–30) were officially paid for by the company, while the third (July 1) was self-funded by participants — five employees, including two Mexican staff members.

They consumed large amounts of alcohol (2 bottles of soju, 2 bottles of beer, and 2–3 bottles of 40% whiskey).

Medical opinion concluded that the third night of drinking was the most significant factor in his death.


Dispute:

Widow’s claim: The final gathering was work-related, as it involved business associates and overseas staff, and attendance was effectively expected.

KCOMWEL’s argument: The July 1 gathering was a private social event held for personal camaraderie, not for work purposes.


Court’s Ruling:

The court acknowledged that the July 1 dinner was not formally organized by the company, but it still qualified as a work-related event because:

Mr. B was preparing for a long-term business trip to Mexico, and needed cooperation from local staff.

The Mexican employees were of equal or higher rank, making it difficult for Mr. B to refuse drinking.

The cost of the dinner was substantial, indicating it was business-related rather than casual.


The court also noted that the alcohol consumed over three consecutive nights likely compounded, as previous alcohol had not been fully metabolized, contributing to the fatal intoxication.


Outcome:

The court overturned KCOMWEL’s rejection, recognizing the death as a work-related accident.

The widow is therefore entitled to survivor’s compensation and funeral benefits.


Significance:

The judgment reaffirms that company gatherings—even informal or partly self-funded ones—can be deemed work-related when they serve a business purpose or occur under implicit workplace pressure.

It also expands the scope of “work-related accidents” to include alcohol-related deaths linked to workplace culture.

Article: https://www.lawtimes.co.kr/Case-curation/211616