Following allegations that the late MBC weathercaster Oh Yoanna, who passed away last September, was a victim of 'workplace bullying', her family has demanded an apology from the perpetrators.
Media Today reported on the 29th, "The family has stated that 'MBC should acknowledge its responsibility for failing to prevent workplace bullying and apologize to Oh Yoanna.' They also demanded 'at least a recognition of the bullying from the perpetrators and an apology to Yoanna'."
According to the report, Oh Yoanna's family stated in an interview with the media, "(What the deceased experienced) is a matter of personal dignity and a systemic issue," and pointed out, "It seems that a world of survival of the fittest and demonic capitalism unfolded within MBC. Freelance weathercasters fiercely compete for broadcasting opportunities, living in a structure where they prey on each other's weaknesses to survive."
Earlier, on the 28th, KBS reported that Oh Yoanna's family filed a civil lawsuit in December of last year against a colleague who appeared to have engaged in workplace bullying, gathering phone call records and KakaoTalk messages from the deceased. It is reported that the deceased's will contained statements such as "treated as if I have no responsibility" and "did anyone care while I was sleeping in the duty room for three months during work?" Additionally, it is said that she expressed frustrations to a colleague, asking, "Am I that bad to be hearing such things?" and "Am I doing something wrong to the extent that I have to discuss the existence of the weather team?"
As allegations arose that the deceased was a victim of workplace bullying, MBC stated, "We currently do not have the deceased's will," and added, "If the family requests a fact-finding investigation based on a newly discovered will, MBC is prepared to commence an investigation as soon as possible."
Meanwhile, the deceased passed the MBC weathercaster exam in May 2021 and gained recognition by appearing on tvN's 'You Quiz on the Block' in 2022. She passed away at the age of 28 last September, and this fact was belatedly reported in December of last year.
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[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
