**Workplace Negligence Causing Death Allegations**
The police have launched a preliminary investigation into the allegations that the late MBC weathercaster, Oh Yo-anna, who passed away in September last year, was subjected to workplace harassment during her lifetime. According to the police on the 3rd, the Seoul Mapo Police Station began the investigation after receiving a public petition on January 31 requesting an investigation into Oh’s case.
A netizen previously filed a complaint against MBC President Ahn Hyung-jun, department heads, and fellow weathercasters, accusing them of charges such as workplace negligence causing death, evidence destruction, and the violation of the stalking punishment law. Additionally, a request was submitted to investigate whether the MBC management violated the Serious Accidents Punishment Act. The police are currently coordinating the schedule for interviews with the bereaved family and colleagues.
Oh, who joined MBC in 2021, was found dead last September. On January 27, a media outlet released a will that expressed her suffering from workplace harassment, raising suspicions that she was bullied by her fellow weathercasters. The bereaved family has filed a lawsuit for damages against an MBC employee at the Seoul Central District Court.
In response, MBC formed a fact-finding committee on January 31 to investigate the cause and truth behind Oh’s death. However, MBC faced criticism for previously stating that “the deceased never informed the department responsible for addressing grievances or the management personnel she worked with about her concerns” and expressing worry about “forces trying to destabilize MBC,” which was perceived as an attempt to deflect blame.