MBC has announced that it has completed the formation of an investigation committee to verify the facts surrounding the workplace harassment allegations involving its late weathercaster, Oh Yoanna.
On the 3rd, MBC stated, “We pray for the soul of late weathercaster Oh Yoanna. We also extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family,” and added, “MBC decided to establish an investigation committee to verify the facts regarding the allegations surrounding the late individual on January 31, and the selection and formation of the committee were completed over the weekend and holiday.”
It continued, “To enhance the fairness, reliability, and objectivity of the investigation, external individuals will serve as the chair and members, along with internal personnel participating as committee members.”
Furthermore, “Attorney Chae Yang-hee from the law firm Hyemyeong has been appointed as the chair of the investigation committee, and Attorney Jeong In-jin from the law firm Bareun has been appointed as an external member. Both attorneys have backgrounds as prosecutors and judges, and MBC expects that they will enhance the fairness, reliability, and objectivity of the investigation. Three internal personnel, including the head of the department responsible for employee grievances and the head of the compliance-related department, will also participate as committee members.”
Additionally, “The investigation committee will begin its activities with its first meeting on February 5 and plans to complete the investigation as quickly and accurately as possible,” emphasizing, “MBC is very saddened by the death of the late individual and will do its utmost to communicate with the bereaved family during the investigation process to ensure that the truth is revealed.”
Moreover, “MBC will actively discuss with the bereaved family the possibility of including individuals they recommend as additional members of the investigation committee to ensure that the investigation results are satisfactory.”
Meanwhile, the late individual joined MBC as a weathercaster through a public recruitment in 2021 and suddenly passed away in September of last year. The news of her death was belatedly reported in December of last year. Subsequently, on the 27th of last month, a 17-page letter was discovered on her mobile phone, raising allegations of workplace harassment. The bereaved family filed a civil lawsuit against a colleague who appeared to have engaged in workplace harassment at the Seoul Central District Court in December of last year.
Initially, MBC stated, “The late individual never reported her grievances to the responsible department or the management personnel she worked with while working as a freelancer,” and added, “If the bereaved family requests verification of the facts based on the newly discovered letter, MBC is prepared to commence an investigation as soon as possible.” However, as the incident gained significant attention, MBC issued an official statement on the 31st of last month, announcing, “We have decided to form an investigation committee chaired by external experts to clarify the cause and truth behind the death of late Oh Yoanna.”
In relation to this, the police have also launched an investigation. The Mapo Police Station in Seoul has received a public complaint requesting an investigation into the incident and has begun preliminary inquiries.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
