Following allegations that MBC weathercaster Oh Yoanna took her own life due to workplace bullying, a recording of a conversation with a fellow weathercaster has surfaced, sparking controversy. In the recording, the weathercaster remains calm and is even heard sipping a beverage while discussing the news of Oh Yoanna’s death with her mother, raising concerns over her reaction.
Oh Yoanna tragically passed away at the age of 28 in September of last year. However, news of her death was not made public until December 10. On January 27 of this year, a media outlet reported that two of her colleagues had bullied her, bringing the issue to light.
On Thursday, Dispatch published an interview with Oh Yoanna’s mother and uncle. During the interview, her mother revealed that another weathercaster had bullied Oh Yoanna for three years. Oh Yoanna’s psychiatric records included notes about feeling intimidated at work, experiencing unjust treatment, and a cycle of constantly apologizing at the company, which has deepened the tragedy surrounding her death.
Later, recordings of a phone call between Oh Yoanna’s mother and the first fellow weathercaster were released. The first fellow weathercaster expressed shock when informed of Oh Yoanna’s passing, but her reaction seemed odd to many. YouTuber Lee Jin Ho analyzed the recording on his channel Behind Master, noting that the sound of the weathercaster sipping a drink during the call was inappropriate given the situation’s gravity.
Additionally, despite Oh Yoanna’s mother sharing that her daughter had been struggling due to bullying from another colleague, the first fellow weathercaster reportedly asked, “Was there anything else difficult for her?” This raised suspicions that she was searching for alternative reasons for Oh Yoanna’s distress. It was also revealed that the first fellow weathercaster did not attend Oh Yoanna’s funeral despite receiving permission from her mother.
Meanwhile, as suspicions grew that workplace bullying may have contributed to Oh Yoanna’s tragic death, MBC stated on January 31 announcing the creation of a fact-finding committee led by external experts to uncover the truth behind her death. The committee was officially launched on Monday and held its first meeting on Wednesday.