MBC Reports on Investigation into Workplace Harassment Case of Late Oh Yoanna

On May 19, MBC's News Desk aired a report regarding the investigation into the workplace harassment case involving the late Oh Yoanna. This case first came to light in January through media coverage, following her sudden passing in September of the previous year. The circumstances surrounding her death raised many questions, and subsequent revelations from her suicide note and testimonies from acquaintances pointed to specific senior weathercasters as alleged perpetrators of workplace harassment.

Initially, those accused remained silent, refusing to issue any official statements. They even blocked comments on their social media accounts and disabled comment sections on their YouTube channels, avoiding public engagement. Despite this, they continued to appear on news broadcasts as weathercasters, drawing public criticism.

On the same day, the Ministry of Employment and Labor conducted a special labor inspection of MBC, concluding that while Oh Yoanna did not qualify as a worker under the Labor Standards Act, there were indeed actions that could be considered harassment.

MBC, which had previously refrained from reporting on the Oh Yoanna case, announced the findings of the labor inspection, revealing that the Ministry had identified six violations of labor laws and imposed a fine of 15 million won on MBC.

Additionally, MBC released an official statement regarding the case, acknowledging the Ministry's findings on the harassment against Oh Yoanna. They expressed their commitment to taking appropriate actions against those involved and improving the overall organizational culture.

MBC also announced the establishment of a 'Cooperation Officer' position to allow freelancers and non-regular workers to report issues directly to the relevant parties or third parties for immediate resolution. They indicated that they would conduct legal reviews regarding the employment status of some freelancers and implement appropriate measures promptly.

In closing, MBC extended their condolences to Oh Yoanna's family, expressing their sorrow over the tragic incident and wishing for her peace.