Following the late MBC weathercaster Oh Yoanna (28 years old at the time of her passing) who died last year, allegations have emerged that she was a victim of 'workplace bullying', leading to a significant ripple effect from lawsuits to accusations. Despite the intensifying allegations, MBC has not made any substantial statements beyond saying, "We are prepared to initiate an investigation if requested by the bereaved family."
The allegations that the deceased was a victim of 'workplace bullying' were reported by the Daily Newspaper on the 28th. According to the report, the deceased wrote a 17-page suicide note on her phone on the morning of September 15 last year before taking her own life.
The note reportedly contained complaints about workplace bullying from two specific weathercasters, including one who blamed her for a false report and another who criticized her for pointing out incorrect information, stating that "a junior should not dare to correct a senior." Additionally, there were numerous messages and voice recordings criticizing her abilities and calling her in after work hours under the pretext of "needing to teach her." It is also reported that the deceased informed four MBC officials about her experiences of bullying before her death.
As the allegations that the deceased was a victim of workplace bullying became known, MBC stated, "It is very sensitive to mention facts related to the deceased, so we must be extremely cautious in our response," adding, "However, one thing we can confirm is that the deceased never reported her grievances to the responsible departments (Human Resources Team of the Management Support Division, Clean Center of the Audit Division) or to the management personnel she worked with."
They further stated, "If the deceased had officially reported her grievances (such as workplace bullying) to the company or even informed responsible managers of her experiences, the company would have naturally conducted an appropriate investigation," emphasizing, "MBC handles workplace bullying with extreme severity, and if reports or consultation requests are received from freelancers or cast members, we will promptly initiate an investigation."
Regarding media reports that the deceased informed four MBC officials about her experiences before her death, they requested, "Please let us know who those individuals are," and urged, "We ask that you refrain from indiscriminate dissemination of unverified information and raising suspicions, as it directly relates to the deceased's honor and could create another layer of victims." They also stated that they do not possess the deceased's suicide note, adding, "If the bereaved family requests verification of facts based on the newly discovered note, MBC is prepared to initiate an investigation as soon as possible."
They also expressed concern about "forces that seem to be approaching this issue as an opportunity to 'shake MBC' without knowing the exact facts."
Subsequently, the bereaved family stated, "We will not request verification of facts from MBC," expressing their hope that MBC would conduct its own investigation and broadcast a sincere apology. It was also revealed that they filed a civil lawsuit against a colleague who appeared to have engaged in workplace bullying in December of last year at the Seoul Central District Court.
In addition, criticism from the political sphere has emerged. An Cheol-soo, a member of the National Assembly from the People Power Party, expressed disappointment with MBC's attitude on social media, stating, "It is difficult to understand that four months have passed since the deceased's death without any investigation or action." He added, "To frame criticism of this incident as an attempt to shake MBC and to portray it as media suppression is a secondary harm that insults the deceased and wounds the bereaved family," emphasizing, "If MBC, which has repeatedly criticized workplace bullying through the news, evades responsibility with partisan logic, it would be a typical case of 'double standards'."
As the incident became known, a complaint was also filed. An internet user announced through an online community that they had submitted a complaint to the Seoul Mapo Police Station and the Ministry of Employment and Labor, certifying the receipt of the complaint. The publicly disclosed complaint names MBC, the department heads, and the two fellow weathercasters identified as perpetrators as defendants. The author stated, "This incident should not be seen merely as an individual's injustice but as an important opportunity to examine the 'legal responsibilities' and 'obligations' of employers regarding the issue of 'workplace bullying'," requesting that the police and the Ministry of Employment and Labor work closely to clarify the facts of the case and clearly define the legal responsibilities regarding workplace bullying.
As reports related to the deceased continue to emerge, internet users have begun searching for the 'perpetrators'. In online communities, some weathercasters whose facts have not yet been verified are being named as the main perpetrators of workplace bullying. A YouTube channel called 'Is it raining today?' that publishes MBC's weather news has seen personal attacks against these individuals, yet the comment section remains open, and videos continue to be uploaded.
While the situation intensifies, MBC has not made any further responses since their initial statement. Given that there have been complaints and accusations against MBC and related individuals regarding this matter, it is speculated that they are attempting to respond through an investigation. Considering that verifying facts and conducting an internal investigation takes time, and that the honor of the deceased and the identified perpetrators is at stake, it seems reasonable to respond cautiously.
However, MBC's official stance indicates that even if the victim does not report workplace bullying, if the company is aware of the occurrence, it must promptly conduct an objective investigation targeting the parties involved (Article 76-3, Paragraph 2 of the Labor Standards Act). Additionally, the mention of 'shaking MBC' as a separate issue seems to imply a certain nuance that is disappointing.
In response, internet users have expressed sentiments such as, "Do they only investigate if the bereaved family requests it?", "Shouldn't they at least verify the facts?", "Have they communicated with the bereaved family?", "Shouldn't they conduct an immediate investigation and impose strict penalties?", "Shouldn't those with allegations be excluded from broadcasting?", "This is disappointing," "A person has died, and this is their statement...", "They should have said they were under investigation instead," "It seems they are not interested in protecting employees," among others.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
