Investigation Confirms Workplace Bullying by Trade Representative Yang Jen-ni; Case Sparks Widespread Outrage

On June 26, 2026, the Executive Yuan officially released the investigation results concerning allegations of workplace bullying at the Office of Trade Negotiations (OTN). The case arose following the passing of former Deputy Trade Representative Hui-hsin Yen (daughter of former Finance Minister Yen Ching-chang) in March, which triggered internal and public concerns that she had been bullied before her death.

The Executive Yuan launched an administrative investigation on March 27. Over three months, the investigation panel interviewed 31 individuals and reviewed 12 allegations, ultimately concluding that two counts of workplace bullying by Trade Representative and Minister without Portfolio Yang Jen-ni were confirmed. The report detailed that Yang consistently used offensive and negative methods to dismiss Yen's opinions and interrupt her speaking during management, creating an unfriendly and hostile working environment that subjected Yen to severe mental and physical distress. Yang subsequently issued a six-point statement strongly criticizing the report, claiming it relied on the one-sided stories of a few ill-intentioned individuals and lacked due process. The incident sparked intense public outcry and media scrutiny in Taiwan, raising questions over bureaucratic abuse of power and political favoritism under the Lai Ching-te administration, with focus turning to Yang's potential resignation or removal.