The Ministry of Employment and Labor has made a significant ruling regarding the late MBC weathercaster, Oh Yoanna, who tragically took her own life earlier this year after enduring workplace harassment. A will discovered on her cellphone highlighted the bullying she faced at work, prompting her family to take legal action against MBC and those named in the will, which included messages, phone recordings, and diaries.
As of May 18, 2025, the Ministry has concluded that there were indeed “acts that could be considered workplace bullying” in Oh Yoanna’s case. This determination comes after a thorough three-month investigation. Although the Ministry clarified that freelance weathercasters, such as Oh Yoanna, do not fall under the traditional employee classification, it acknowledged that workplace harassment occurred.
This ruling carries significant implications for the ongoing civil lawsuit against one of the four weathercasters identified as perpetrators of the harassment. Initially, the Ministry would have declined to investigate the allegations based on the misconception that Oh Yoanna was not a formal employee, as weathercasters often operate across various media outlets. However, the conclusion that bullying behaviors did take place highlights an important step toward accountability in this case.
The final results of the special labor inspection concerning MBC remain under review, but the Ministry’s finding regarding workplace bullying is poised to impact future legal proceedings for the bereaved family seeking justice for Oh Yoanna.
