Broadcaster Jang Seong-kyu has spoken out for the first time regarding the workplace bullying controversy involving the late MBC weathercaster Oh Yoanna.
On the 5th, Jang Seong-kyu expressed his feelings on social media, saying, "I am sorry for only mourning in my heart after learning about the late person's news late last December," and added, "Although it's late, I hope the late person's injustice is resolved and that the family finds comfort."
He continued, "If I can be of help in that process, I will do my best." He also explained, "When my name was first mentioned, I was upset because the content was not true, but I remained silent thinking of the pain of the deceased and the family." However, he stated that this was interpreted as an acknowledgment, leading to a flood of negative comments.
When his family was attacked, he restricted the comment function, which led to even harsher criticism. Jang Seong-kyu said, "I think it is the wrong order to try to resolve my small injustice before the late person's injustice is resolved," but he appealed, "Please refrain from negative comments directed at my family."
Meanwhile, the late Oh Yoanna passed away at the age of 28 on September 28 of last year. The circumstances surrounding her death were not disclosed at the time, but later, a 17-page suicide note was found, revealing signs of workplace bullying. The note contained details about being blamed for misinformation by two specific weathercasters and being criticized for requesting corrections to weather information, with comments like "How dare a junior point out a senior."
The family filed a lawsuit for damages against the workplace colleague for workplace bullying on the 23rd of last month, and MBC has also formed an investigation committee led by external experts to uncover the facts. The police have also begun an investigation based on complaints received through the National Petition.
The controversy intensified with the revelations from the YouTube channel "Garoseoro Research Institute" on the 31st of last month. The channel released a recording of a phone call with an MBC official, claiming that weathercaster Kim Ga-young had sowed discord between Oh Yoanna and Jang Seong-kyu. According to this, Kim Ga-young told Jang Seong-kyu, "Oh Yoanna is a liar," and upon hearing this, Jang Seong-kyu directly confirmed it with Oh Yoanna, escalating the controversy.
As this information became known, Jang Seong-kyu faced criticism for being a bystander. However, through this statement, he made it clear that "I will do my best for the family until the truth is revealed."
Attention is focused on where the truth of the incident will lead and what actions Jang Seong-kyu will take.
[Kim Seung-hye, MK Sports Reporter]
