Appearing as a Reference Witness
at the National Assembly Science, Technology,
Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee Inquiry
"The bereaved family does not want this incident to become a matter of political strife. I do not want my daughter's name to be mentioned in a negative light because of party conflicts."
On April 18, Yeonmi Jang, the mother of the late former MBC weathercaster Anna Oh, who died in September last year after reporting workplace harassment, urged for a thorough investigation at the National Assembly, stating that she does not want her daughter's death to be used as a tool for political debate.
On the 18th, during the National Assembly Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee's urgent inquiry, Yeonmi Jang, the mother of the late MBC weathercaster Anna Oh, was seen shedding tears. Photo by Yonhap News
On this day, Jang appeared as a witness during the National Assembly Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee's urgent inquiry. Jangkyum Kim, a member of the People Power Party, disclosed Oh's psychiatric treatment records, a recorded phone call between Oh and her mother, and a recorded conversation with another MBC weathercaster.
Jang recalled that the late Oh was "a kind and innocent child," and tearfully said, "I used to wonder how the bereaved families of the Itaewon disaster, the Sewol ferry tragedy, and the death of Sergeant Chae managed to go on with their lives, but I never thought I would become one of them." She appealed to the political community and MBC, asking, "Please reveal the truth so that my daughter can rest in peace, free from unfounded speculation."
Jang pointed out that MBC has been passive in uncovering the truth and has not apologized to the bereaved family. She said, "When MBC first used the term 'agitation' toward us, we were hurt, and they have never properly apologized. Although someone with the title of department head apologized at the National Assembly, we felt even more isolated and as if we were fighting alone." She once again pleaded, "Please reveal the truth so that my daughter can rest in peace, free from all speculation."
Present at the inquiry on behalf of MBC were Mina Park, Head of Business Operations, and Myungil Kang, Chairman of the Third Labor Union. Kim stated, "Today's inquiry was held to investigate the truth as demanded by the bereaved family and the public, and also to provide an opportunity for those identified as perpetrators to present their side. However, the absence of a key witness has made it even more difficult to uncover the truth."
Park responded, "As I have heard, the witness in question is in a very unstable state and is currently unable to appear on broadcasts. It is not an official leave of absence, but the individual has stopped appearing on air."
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