MBC has shown movement by apologizing for the late weathercaster Oh Yoanna case and terminating the contract with the weathercaster identified as the perpetrator. However, public sentiment remains cold.
On the 19th, the Ministry of Labor announced the results of a special labor inspection, stating, "There were repeated statements that were difficult to recognize as necessary for work in social norms, beyond simple guidance or advice," acknowledging that there was harassment against the deceased.
However, the Ministry of Labor concluded that it could not classify the deceased as an MBC employee, thus unable to apply the 'Workplace Harassment Prevention System.' It stated, "Since we cannot impose penalties or criminal sanctions under the Labor Standards Act regarding the incident related to the deceased, MBC must take action according to its internal regulations."
In response, the deceased's mother held a press conference in front of the labor office, crying out, "Yoanna worked as MBC instructed, but the Ministry of Labor says she is not a worker," and added, "Is this a proper investigation? It is so unfair and heartbreaking." She also expressed her hope that "the perpetrators sincerely apologize and that many people will support MBC taking responsibility."
After the Ministry of Labor's investigation results were released, MBC stated, "We take the Ministry of Employment and Labor's judgment that 'there was harassment' very seriously and will promptly carry out efforts to improve organizational culture."
Additionally, on the same day, 'News Desk,' which had not previously covered the incident, reported on the related content. Anchor Jo Hyun-yong apologized, saying, "We once again apologize to the bereaved family regarding the unfortunate incident of Oh Yoanna. We pray for the repose of the deceased."
MBC has faced ongoing criticism for revealing the true face of its inaction regarding the incident. This is due to its initial lukewarm attitude, lack of substantial follow-up actions, and continued appearances of the identified perpetrator, which could be misunderstood as protecting them. Furthermore, it has not proposed solutions for the protection of rights for freelancers and non-regular workers or for improving organizational culture. Former MBC weathercaster Kim Hye-eun pointed out the reality of weathercasters being treated as expendable.
The deceased passed away in September of last year. However, the news of her death was only belatedly reported in December. Generally, when an employee dies, a notice of death is announced within the company. However, MBC did not announce the notice, leading some to question whether there was an attempt at 'organizational concealment.'
Moreover, in January, reports emerged that evidence of harassment was found along with a suicide note on the deceased's mobile phone, prompting MBC to issue a statement immediately with defensive remarks.
MBC stated, "It is a very delicate matter to mention facts related to the deceased, so we have no choice but to respond cautiously," while also saying, "What can be clearly confirmed is that the deceased never reported her grievances to the responsible departments (Human Resources Team of the Management Support Department, Clean Center of the Audit Department) or to the management personnel she worked with."
Regarding reports that the deceased informed MBC officials of her victimization before her death, they responded with a perplexing request, saying, "Please let us know who that person is."
The most perplexing phrase was, "We express concern about the movements of forces that approach this issue as if they have seized some opportunity to 'shake MBC' without knowing the exact facts." This not only obscured the essence of the incident but also bordered on secondary victimization.
After the Ministry of Labor's audit results, MBC stated, "We will prioritize preventing recurrence, improving organizational culture, and complying with labor laws," but evaluations have emerged that specific follow-up actions have not been taken, which is disappointing. Additionally, it has been reported that individuals other than A, who were implicated in the harassment, continue their broadcasting activities, and their contracts have been extended, raising doubts about MBC's 'sincerity.'
On the 20th, MBC terminated the contract with weathercaster A, who was investigated as a perpetrator of workplace harassment. A is known to be the individual identified by the Ministry of Employment and Labor as the harasser. Contracts for three others identified as accomplices in the harassment have been renewed. On the 22nd, an MBC official stated, "We have renewed contracts with three weathercasters and freelancers related to the Oh Yoanna case." Contracts are made on a yearly basis, and their contract period extends until the end of this year.
Public reactions to this incident online are overwhelmingly uncomfortable. Many have criticized MBC's 'hands-off' response, with comments like "MBC moved only when pushed" and "a tail-cutting measure" being common.
There are also demands such as "Will there be no apology for 'shaking MBC'?", "Appropriate punishment for the accomplices is necessary," "The perpetrators should not appear on broadcasts," and "They should all be dismissed."
There is a saying that one should not adjust their shoes in an orchard and not fix their hat under a plum tree. It means not to act in a way that raises suspicion. It is unclear whether MBC attempted to systematically conceal the connection between the deceased's death and workplace harassment, as some claim. However, even if there was no such intent, it is a fact that MBC engaged in actions that could raise suspicion. To escape the cold gaze of the public, sincere apologies and efforts to prevent recurrence will be necessary.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
