MBC weathercaster Kim Ga Young faces backlash as allegations of workplace bullying linked to late Oh Yoanna

MBC weathercaster Kim Ga Young is facing growing backlash as allegations of workplace bullying linked to her late junior, Oh Yoanna, continue to spread. 

The controversy is now impacting multiple programs she has appeared in, including SBS's 'Goal-Kicking Girls', MBC Radio’s 'Good Morning FM Tei', and the YouTube entertainment show 'Younghan Review'.

According to Star News on the 3rd, the production team of 'Younghan Review' has decided to put a hold on releasing additional content until the MBC Truth Investigation Committee announces its findings regarding the circumstances surrounding Oh Yoanna’s death.

'Younghan Review' is a consumer-focused final review discussion program featuring former announcers Kim Ga Young and Park Eun Young. The show premiered with a pilot episode on January 18th, but tension has since risen due to Kim Ga Young’s alleged involvement in workplace bullying. In response to mounting criticism, the production team has disabled the comment section on the first episode.

The production team is reportedly monitoring the situation closely. Depending on the investigation’s outcome, the decision on whether to continue filming and releasing further episodes of 'Younghan Review' will likely be postponed.

The late Oh Yoanna passed away in September 2023 at the age of 28, but her obituary was made public only in December, three months after her death. Since then, suspicions have emerged that she was subjected to workplace bullying by her colleagues.

Her family has filed a civil lawsuit against two individuals identified as the alleged perpetrators of the workplace harassment, submitting the case to the Seoul Central District Court.

Additionally, the real names of the suspected weathercasters were exposed through the YouTube channel 'Garosero Research Institute', leading to continued public criticism. Kim Ga Young, one of the accused, has since disabled comments on her social media and has yet to issue a statement addressing the allegations.

Despite the controversy, Kim Ga Young appeared on MBC’s 'News Desk' as scheduled on the 1st to deliver the weather report. However, the comment section for the broadcast’s weather segment was disabled.

She is also an active cast member on 'Goal-Kicking Girls' and 'Good Morning FM Tei', but viewers are increasingly demanding her removal. Regarding her potential departure, a 'Goal-Kicking Girls' representative told Star News, "No decision has been made regarding Kim Ga Young’s status. We are waiting for the results of the investigation."