A Young Life Cut Short
It’s been one year since Oh Yoanna, a weathercaster for South Korean broadcaster MBC, passed away at just 28 years old. Her death on September 15, 2024 shocked the public—not just because of her youth, but because news of it didn’t break until three months later, in December.
Bullying Allegations Rock Media Circles
After her passing, a heartbreaking revelation surfaced: a 17-page letter reportedly found on her phone detailed allegations that she was bullied by two colleagues in the same newsroom. These claims stunned South Korea and sparked a growing conversation about mistreatment in media workplaces.
In response, Oh’s family filed a damage compensation lawsuit against a fellow weathercaster—referred to as “A”—who is believed to have played a leading role in the harassment. MBC launched a fact-finding committee at the end of January 2025 to investigate the matter further.
Government Response Draws Further Scrutiny
In May, Korea’s Ministry of Employment and Labor weighed in. While the ministry concluded that Oh wasn’t technically considered a formal employee under labor laws, they did acknowledge that she experienced acts that could be seen as workplace bullying.
Critics say the decision highlights the precarious conditions faced by non-permanent talent in Korean broadcast media, many of whom lack the same protections as full-time staff.
Family’s Grief Turns Into Protest
On September 8, just days before the first anniversary of her death, Oh Yoanna’s mother staged a hunger strike in front of MBC’s headquarters in Sangam-dong, Seoul. Fighting back tears, she said: “As her first anniversary nears, I will stop eating. In a world without Yoanna, I already feel dead inside. I cannot forgive MBC.”
Oh’s older brother also released a public statement on August 13, urging society not to let her death be in vain. He called for solidarity to uncover the truth and protect other freelance and contract workers in the broadcasting industry from suffering similar fates.
A Broader Industry Reckoning?
Oh Yoanna’s case has stirred conversations across South Korea about how young workers—especially freelancers and non-permanent staff—are treated in hierarchical work environments where power dynamics often go unchecked. As the legal process drags on, her family’s ongoing movement stands as both a call for justice and a plea for reform.
This tragic story is far from over. But one thing is clear: Oh Yoanna’s voice is still echoing through Korea’s media halls—and isn’t going quiet anytime soon.
