MBC president Ahn Hyeong-joon has issued a formal apology over the case of Oh Yoanna, who died at 28 in September last year―coming 13 months after the tragedy.
In a statement, Ahn offered condolences to Oh’s family and apologized for the grief they have endured. He said the network is determined to ensure “no such tragedy ever happens again.”
Ahn noted that, as part of a settlement announced Thursday, MBC established a new ombuds-style office in April to handle grievances and conflicts for everyone working with the network, including freelancers. He added that MBC has been conducting regular trainings aimed at preventing workplace bullying and unfair treatment.
“As a public broadcaster, we will keep working to build a more respectful, supportive workplace culture,” he said, again extending condolences to Oh’s loved ones.
Oh’s mother began a hunger strike outside MBC headquarters on September 9, calling for a public apology after the family released a note in which Oh described experiencing workplace bullying. The family also filed a civil suit seeking 510 million won in damages from a colleague, identified only as weathercaster “A.”
In May, the Ministry of Employment and Labor carried out a special inspection of MBC through the Seoul Regional and Western District Labor Offices. The ministry concluded that while workplace bullying had occurred, Oh was not classified as an employee under the Labor Standards Act, so the statute’s anti-bullying provisions did not apply.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)