Former MBC employee accused of workplace bullying late Oh Yoanna to stand trial in July

The individual identified as the primary perpetrator in the workplace bullying case that allegedly led to the death of former MBC employee Oh Yoanna will appear in court this July.

According to a report by Star News on May 27, the Seoul Central District Court's Civil Agreement Division 48 (Presiding Judge Kim Do Kyun) has scheduled a new hearing for July 22 in the damages lawsuit filed by the bereaved family of the late Oh Yoanna against the accused, referred to as Mr./Ms. A.

Typically, if a defendant fails to submit a written response after the plaintiff files a complaint, the court may issue a default judgment in favor of the plaintiff without a hearing. However, if the defendant submits a written defense, a trial proceeds and the default judgment is revoked.

Oh Yoanna joined MBC in May 2021 but tragically passed away in September 2023 at the age of 28. Her death garnered national attention three months later when a suicide note was discovered, detailing severe workplace harassment.

Following an internal investigation, MBC terminated its contract with Mr./Ms. A. However, the remaining three individuals identified in the allegations reportedly had their contracts renewed, stirring further public criticism.

The case continues to raise serious concerns over workplace harassment and corporate accountability in South Korea’s media industry.