Calling for Truth Through a Hunger Strike
Condemning the System That Produces Non-Regular Workers
Jang Yeonmi, the mother of the late MBC weathercaster Oh Yoanna, is speaking at the press conference announcing the first anniversary memorial week struggle held on the 8th in front of MBC in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
The mother of the late Yoanna Oh, an MBC weathercaster who passed away last year, has begun a hunger strike ahead of her daughter's first anniversary. She is calling for improvements to the poor working conditions of non-regular freelance workers and for solutions to workplace harassment issues.
On September 8, Jang Yeonmi, the mother of Yoanna Oh, held a press conference in front of the MBC headquarters in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, stating, "I am starting this hunger strike to honor the wishes of my child, who died so tragically," and added, "Please help resolve these issues before the first anniversary so that such a tragedy never happens again." Jang said, "I thought only Yoanna was suffering, but so many young people in the broadcasting and media industry are in pain," and continued, "I want to clear Yoanna's name and become a mother she can be proud of."
Forty-two organizations, including the civic groups Workplace Gapjil 119 and Ending Credits for the Names of People Who Make Broadcasting, have set up a memorial altar with a portrait of the deceased in front of the MBC headquarters. Jang plans to continue her hunger strike at this memorial altar. These groups are demanding an official apology from the president of MBC and the conversion of non-regular weathercasters to regular employee status.
Oh joined MBC as a weathercaster in 2021 and passed away on September 15, 2024. After her death, a note found on her mobile phone by her family revealed that she had suffered harassment from colleagues, raising suspicions of workplace bullying.
On May 19th, in front of the Seoul Employment and Labor Office in Jung-gu, Seoul, Jang Yeonmi, the mother of the late MBC weathercaster Oh Yoanna (center), holds a placard at a press conference condemning the special investigation results regarding Ms. Oh. Photo by Yonhap News
A special labor inspection by the Ministry of Employment and Labor confirmed that harassment against Oh had occurred. However, because Oh was classified as a "freelancer" and not an "employee" under the Labor Standards Act, the legal provisions regarding "workplace harassment" did not apply. In response, MBC terminated its contract with the weathercaster identified as the perpetrator but renewed contracts with other related individuals.
Kim Eunjin, chairperson of the MBC Union for Non-Discriminatory Labor, criticized, "The government agency has provided a conclusion that makes it easy for the company to evade responsibility."
Kim Juhwan, co-organizer of the Joint Action to End Non-Regular Employment, also pointed out, "Employers make people work and profit from it, yet refuse to acknowledge their responsibilities," and added, "The Ministry of Labor admits harassment occurred but exempts the employer from responsibility simply because the victim was not classified as an employee."
Jang also appealed for attention, saying, "Even after working for years, MBC treats people as freelancers, as non-regular workers, and less than insects," and urged, "Please help resolve these issues before the first anniversary so that such a tragedy never happens again at MBC."
A memorial cultural event is scheduled to be held in front of MBC on September 15, the first anniversary of the late Yoanna Oh's passing.
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