Tragic Death of Weathercaster Oh Yoanna Linked to Workplace Bullying

The cause of death for weathercaster Oh Yoanna (故오요안나) has been reported as workplace bullying, prompting friends and acquaintances to speak out. On January 27, the Maeil Shinmun revealed that a 2,750-character suicide note was found on Oh's unlocked phone, detailing her experiences of harassment from two specific weathercasters.

Oh, who became a freelance weathercaster for MBC in May 2021, reportedly faced bullying starting in March 2022. One colleague allegedly spread false information and blamed Oh for it, while another criticized her for correcting incorrect weather data, suggesting that a junior should not point out mistakes to a senior.

Additionally, when Oh was invited to appear on the show 'You Quiz on the Block' in October 2022, she was met with disparaging remarks questioning her capabilities. Numerous messages and voice recordings criticizing her skills were also discovered.

The Maeil Shinmun noted that one of the accused weathercasters, referred to as A, did not respond to multiple calls and texts, while another, B, expressed uncertainty about the appropriateness of discussing the matter, suggesting that inquiries should be directed to MBC.

As allegations of workplace bullying emerged, friends of Oh began to share their thoughts. One friend posted on Instagram, stating, "My dear friend was bullied for a long time by senior weathercasters at MBC and ultimately took her own life. I couldn't disclose the cause of death due to concerns about evidence being concealed by a specific perpetrator. Many of us, including myself, have heard about the bullying she faced from a particular senior weathercaster. The perpetrators and MBC are ignoring the situation. Please help spread the word so that those responsible are held accountable, allowing my friend to find some peace."

Another friend expressed, "With a heavy heart, I write this. My precious friend Oh Yoanna was bullied for a long time by senior weathercasters at MBC and eventually took her own life. She poured her passion into her work but faced unwarranted ostracism from a specific weathercaster. After the news broke, many friends reached out, but I couldn't share specific details about her passing. Despite Oh actively informing her colleagues about the bullying, MBC and the perpetrators turned a blind eye. I ask you to help spread this truth so my friend can rest in peace."

A different acquaintance shared, "Oh Yoanna was a strong support for me and a dear friend who knew how to share love. No action taken can fully alleviate the sadness and loneliness she experienced. However, we must not ignore the irresponsible attitude of the company and the perpetrators who wish to brush this incident aside. An official investigation should be conducted to provide some comfort to Oh and prevent such incidents from happening again."

Others have also commented on social media, recalling that they had heard about workplace bullying three years ago, questioning how someone could endure such torment to the point of death and still appear on screen with a smile.

Despite Oh informing four MBC officials about her experiences, the network reportedly stated, "We can only investigate if there is a reason to do so," and took no further action.