Controversy Surrounds Late MBC Weathercaster Oh Yoo-anna Amid Workplace Bullying Allegations

The controversy surrounding the late MBC weathercaster Oh Yoo-anna, who passed away unexpectedly in September 2023, has intensified following allegations of workplace bullying. The bereaved family has filed a civil lawsuit against a fellow weathercaster, while MBC has issued a statement denying any prior complaints regarding workplace harassment, leading to a stark contrast in the narratives presented by both parties.

On January 23, the family filed a lawsuit at the Seoul Central District Court, claiming that Oh Yoo-anna suffered severe mental distress due to verbal abuse and unreasonable directives from a specific colleague from October 2021 until her death in September 2023. They stated that evidence of bullying was found in her diary and KakaoTalk messages, asserting that she struggled alone and was unable to report the harassment effectively.

These claims gained further traction on January 27 when a media outlet reported that a 17-page letter (approximately 2,750 characters) was discovered on Oh's mobile phone, detailing ongoing harassment from two specific weathercasters. The letter reportedly included instances where she was criticized for correcting inaccurate weather information, with comments suggesting that a junior should not challenge a senior.

In response to the growing controversy, MBC released an official statement on January 28, clarifying that they do not currently possess the recently discovered letter. They expressed readiness to conduct an investigation if the family requests fact verification based on the new evidence. However, MBC emphasized that Oh had never officially reported any incidents of workplace bullying during her time as a freelancer, nor had she informed the relevant departments or management.

MBC reiterated that had they received any reports of workplace harassment, they would have initiated an immediate investigation, asserting that their system thoroughly investigates all complaints, including those from freelancers. They also requested clarification regarding reports that Oh had informed four MBC officials about her situation before her death, urging caution against the spread of unverified information.

The family has strongly opposed MBC's stance, demanding a comprehensive internal investigation and a public apology from the company. They criticized MBC's claim of ignorance regarding Oh's suffering as irresponsible, arguing that the absence of a formal report should not absolve the company of responsibility. They emphasized the need for a thorough investigation given the objective circumstances indicating the existence of workplace bullying.

Oh Yoo-anna gained recognition after winning the title of 'Sun' at the 2019 Chunhyang Beauty Pageant and was selected as an MBC weathercaster in 2021, where she presented weather updates on news programs. She also appeared on tvN's 'You Quiz on the Block' in 2022, further increasing her visibility.

On January 27, MBC expressed concern that the issue might be exploited for political purposes, stating their apprehension about potential misuse of the situation. However, the family contended that this matter is not political but rather a personal tragedy that requires MBC to take the situation seriously and conduct a sincere investigation.

As the situation escalates into a legal battle, the question of whether MBC will comply with the family's demands for an investigation remains a focal point of public interest.