Bereaved family of late MBC weathercaster sues over alleged workplace harassment
Oh reportedly expressed distress, revealing she was 'relying on medication' and suffering from 'excruciating pain near her heart'
The bereaved family of former Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation weathercaster Oh Yo-anna, who died by suicide last year, has filed a civil lawsuit against one of her colleagues amid growing allegations that she endured severe workplace harassment.
It was confirmed on Thursday that Oh's family filed the lawsuit on Jan. 23 at the Seoul Central District Court, seeking damages for the alleged mistreatment she suffered while working at MBC.
In their complaint, the family stated, 'From October of the year she joined MBC (in 2021) until her passing, Oh experienced severe psychological distress due to frequent criticism, verbal abuse, personal humiliation and unreasonable demands from a specific colleague.'
Earlier this week, Kang Myung-il, a member of MBC's labor union, shared what appeared to be a suicide note from Oh during a YouTube live broadcast, citing her family as the source.
According to the document, the colleague in question subjected Oh to repeated harassment, telling her that her 'lack of competence could lead to the weather team's dissolution' and that she had 'neither the skills nor the attitude to justify her presence in MBC's newsroom.' The colleague also allegedly prevented her from leaving work on multiple occasions.
In text messages to acquaintances, Oh expressed her distress, revealing that she was 'relying on medication' and suffering from 'excruciating pain near her heart.' Oh died on Sept. 15, 2024.
Via an official statement given to local outlets on Tuesday, MBC maintained that Oh had never reported any grievances to the department responsible for handling such matters.
If you're thinking about self-harm or suicide, contact the Ministry of Health and Welfare's helpline on 1393, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please request a translator for English-language services.
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