The mother of the late Oh Yo-anna, Jang Yeon-mi, shed tears after receiving an honorary employee certificate from Ahn Hyeong-jun, president of MBC, before the bereaved family’s press conference held in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the 15th. MBC held a national press conference and issued an official apology more than a year after the late weathercaster Oh Yo-anna passed away after alleging workplace harassment.
On the morning of the 15th, MBC CEO Ahn Hyeong-jun and the family of the late Oh Yo-anna held a joint press conference and agreement signing ceremony at the Golden Mouse Hall on the first floor of MBC’s new building in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. During the press conference, MBC issued an official apology towards the deceased, awarded an honorary employee certificate, and promised measures to prevent recurrence.
Subsequently, the family filed a lawsuit claiming damages amounting to 5.1 billion won against fellow weathercaster referred to as “A,” who was identified as the perpetrator. The Ministry of Employment and Labor conducted a special labor supervision of MBC through the Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Office and the Seoul Western District Office last May. The ministry concluded that, although there was workplace harassment, it did not fall under the harassment regulations of the Labor Standards Act because she was not recognized as a worker.
The deceased’s mother went on a hunger strike in front of the MBC building last month, on the first anniversary of her daughter’s death, demanding an official apology and measures to prevent recurrence. The hunger strike ended on the 5th, after a preliminary agreement was reached between MBC and the family of the late Oh Yo-anna, lasting 27 days.
During the event, MBC President Ahn Hyeong-jun expressed condolences and apologized to the bereaved family. He detailed MBC’s efforts to prevent such incidents, including the establishment of a dedicated office to handle conflict and grievances and regular training to prevent workplace harassment and unfair treatment. Ahn emphasized MBC’s commitment to creating a respectful and better workplace.
Jang Yeon-mi, deeply emotional, expressed gratitude for reaching an agreement with MBC. She recounted her struggle and the significance of advocating for the rights and protection of non-regular workers in honor of her daughter, emphasizing the structural issues surrounding workplace harassment and injustice faced by non-permanent employees.
MBC representatives, during the conference, mentioned ongoing institutional improvements and commitment to ensuring safe working conditions for freelancers. However, they refrained from commenting on specific individuals referred to as perpetrators, citing the ongoing legal proceedings.