"'Late Oh Yoanna Bullying Allegation' Weather Caster Hires Lawyer"

Bereaved Family: "We Hoped They Would Admit Their Wrongdoing"

A, who is suspected of bullying the late MBC weathercaster Oh Yoanna, has reportedly hired a lawyer.

On the 6th, YTN reported, "A has currently hired a lawyer and is organizing their position." In response, Oh Yoanna's family told YTN, "We were ready to forgive the perpetrators in Oh Yoanna's name and hoped they would admit their wrongdoing," adding, "However, we understand that a lawyer has been hired."

The late Oh Yoanna, who worked as a weathercaster at MBC. Oh Yoanna Instagram

Oh Yoanna joined MBC in 2021 and worked as a weathercaster before suddenly passing away in September last year. However, the news of her death was only announced on December 10 of the same year, and the exact cause of death has not been disclosed. Later, 17 pages of a will written on manuscript paper, handwritten diaries, recordings, and KakaoTalk conversations were found on Oh Yoanna's phone, indicating she had been bullied by fellow weathercasters.

On the 31st of last month, the Mapo Police Station in Seoul announced that they had received a complaint through the National Petition System requesting an investigation into Oh Yoanna's case and had begun a preliminary investigation before formal registration. The complainant submitted a report through the National Petition System to the police and the Ministry of Employment and Labor, demanding an investigation into workplace bullying involving Oh Yoanna. They alleged that MBC President Ahn Hyung-joon, the department head, and fellow weathercasters were involved in charges including evidence tampering, professional negligence causing death, and violations of the Stalking Punishment Act.

MBC announced on the 3rd, about four months after Oh Yoanna's death, that it would launch a fact-finding committee. The committee, chaired by lawyer Chae Yang-hee (from the law firm Hyemyeong), held its first meeting that day and began full-scale activities.

Kim Moon-soo, Minister of Employment and Labor, also mentioned the case and urged a thorough investigation. At a nationwide agency heads meeting held at the Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Office on the 6th, Minister Kim said, "There was a tragic incident where a young person who was working hard to achieve their dreams passed away," adding, "MBC must take responsibility, swiftly ascertain the facts, and take all necessary measures." He further stated, "I hope the Seoul Western District Office, which has jurisdiction, will also conduct a meticulous investigation of the facts."