Yoo Seung-min "MBC's Cunning Wordplay... Refusal to Accept Evasion of Late Oh Yoanna Investigation"

"No Obituary Announced for Colleague's Death"
"Silencing the Issue as a 'Political Conspiracy'"

Former People Power Party lawmaker Yoo Seung-min criticized MBC for not conducting a thorough investigation into workplace bullying related to the death of the late Oh Yoanna and instead engaging in cunning wordplay.

Weathercaster Oh Yoanna, who passed away last September. Screenshot from Oh Yoanna's Instagram.

On the 31st of last month, Yoo posted on social media (SNS), "MBC's stance and attitude toward the 'workplace bullying allegations' case involving the late Oh Yoanna are very disappointing and deserve criticism," adding, "It appears that since the deceased's death last September, MBC has made no effort to conduct an internal investigation. Even after the allegations were reported, there has been neither reflection nor apology."

"As soon as a will, recordings, and KakaoTalk conversations pleading workplace bullying were found on the deceased’s phone, MBC should have sincerely reflected, apologized, and launched an internal investigation," he said. "A colleague who appeared on MBC news to deliver the weather to the public took an extreme step, yet there was no obituary, not even a single article, and no internal investigation. Is that even possible?" he questioned.

He also accused MBC of trying to frame the issue as a political conspiracy. Regarding MBC’s statement expressing concern over "forces stirring up trouble against MBC" in relation to this matter, Yoo said it was "absurd," pointing out, "They are silencing the truth by labeling the company’s and perpetrator’s responsibilities as political conspiracy and attempts to shake MBC."

Former People Power Party lawmaker Yoo Seung-min

"MBC claims they 'reviewed the deceased’s conversations and work details during their lifetime and are refraining from active rebuttal to protect the deceased’s honor,' but if they haven’t even started an investigation, what kind of review are they talking about? Are they saying they are protecting the deceased’s honor by withholding unfavorable information?," he challenged, adding, "I am appalled by MBC’s cunning wordplay that causes secondary harm, conceals the truth, evades responsibility, and displays hypocrisy and duplicity."

He continued, "What were all those numerous MBC reports on workplace bullying about? Even after all this, can MBC still proudly claim to be a broadcaster that reports the truth? Put your hand on your heart and think about it," emphasizing, "At the very least, MBC should apply the strict standards it has imposed on workplace bullying to itself. Before reporting on labor market issues, I hope MBC reflects on itself and fixes its problems."

※ If you are experiencing difficult feelings such as depression or know someone around you who is struggling, you can receive 24-hour professional counseling through the Suicide Prevention Hotline ☎1393, Mental Health Counseling ☎1577-0199, Hope Call ☎129, Lifeline ☎1588-9191, Youth Hotline ☎1388, the youth mobile counseling app 'Da Deureojul Gae,' KakaoTalk, and other channels.