The late Oh Yoanna’s workplace bullying allegations lead to complaints against MBC President and colleagues

The late Oh Yoanna, a weathercaster at MBC who passed away on September 15, 2024, was a victim of workplace bullying, leading to complaints being filed against MBC and her colleagues with the police and the Ministry of Employment and Labor.

On January 29, on the online community site, DC Inside, saw a post urging thorough investigation and strict punishment regarding workplace bullying allegations. The poster introduced themselves as a citizen who reports misconduct by celebrities, politicians, and general societal corruption to investigation agencies via the National Petition, stating they filed complaints with the police and Ministry of Employment and Labor on the 28th regarding the incident.

The post also provided certification that the complaints were submitted to the Seoul Mapo Police Station and the Ministry of Employment and Labor. The complaint identified MBC, the department heads, and two colleagues accused of bullying as defendants.

The writer cited a report from Maeil Newspaper, alleging that Oh Yoanna while working at MBC, faced persistent workplace bullying from two fellow weathercasters. Despite her colleagues' mistakes, she was unfairly held responsible and subjected to mental distress, including being called back to the company after hours. This bullying was said to have occurred repeatedly.

Furthermore, the writer claimed that Oh Yoanna had informed four MBC officials of the bullying. Evidence provided by her family, such as conversations, recordings, and a suicide note, supported these claims. However, MBC denied that she had ever informed the department heads or managers about her grievances and failed to take appropriate action after the incident. This conflicting stance from MBC suggests the possibility that either the reporting system was ineffective or there was an issue with the reporting process.

The writer referenced Article 76-3 of the Labor Standards Act, which mandates employers to conduct an objective investigation and take protective measures when workplace bullying is reported or detected, even if the victim does not request it. The complaint argued that MBC neglected this legal duty and did not adequately fulfill its obligations regarding the bullying.

The complaint requested investigations into MBC for failing to address the bullying and for possible professional negligence leading to death, as well as an inquiry into the department heads for allegedly ignoring the bullying after being aware of it. The two fellow weathercasters accused of bullying were urged to face an investigation, as their actions may have violated Article 76-2 of the Labor Standards Act, which prohibits workplace bullying.

The writer emphasized that this case should not only be about one individual’s suffering but also serve as an important moment to scrutinize the legal responsibility and duty of employers regarding workplace bullying. They called for a collaborative effort between the police and the Ministry of Employment and Labor to uncover the truth and establish clear legal responsibility for workplace bullying.

Oh Yoanna joined MBC in May 2021 as a weathercaster and gained recognition after appearing on tvN’s 'You Quiz on the Block' in 2022. She passed away on September 28, at the age of 28, and her death was reported publicly in December. On January 27, Maeil Newspaper revealed that a 17-page suicide note was found on her phone, detailing the bullying she endured from two fellow weathercasters, raising suspicions that her death was connected to workplace bullying.

MBC responded, stating that Oh Yoanna never reported her difficulties to the relevant departments or managers while she worked as a freelancer. They said they are ready to investigate if the family requests confirmation of the facts based on the newly discovered suicide note.

The family, however, declared on January 30 that they would not request a fact-check from MBC and instead hoped the company would conduct an internal investigation and issue a sincere apology. Additionally, in December, they filed a civil lawsuit against the colleagues allegedly involved in the bullying at the Seoul Central District Court.