The trial date for the damages lawsuit filed by the family of late MBC weathercaster Oh Yoanna against fellow weathercaster A has been confirmed.
According to the legal community on the 27th, the 48th Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Chief Judge Kim Do-kyun) is scheduled to hold the trial for the case on July 22 at 2:10 PM.
After the deceased's family filed the lawsuit last December, A did not submit any opinion papers, and a default judgment was expected to be issued on March 27. However, two days before the ruling, A appointed a legal representative and submitted a power of attorney along with a preparatory document, leading to the cancellation of the default judgment.
Oh Yoanna, who was active as an MBC weathercaster, passed away in September last year. Three months after her death, in December, the news of her passing was belatedly reported, and in January, evidence suggesting she had been subjected to workplace harassment, including a will, recordings, and messages, was found on her mobile phone.
In response to the workplace harassment controversy, MBC organized an investigation committee in February and began an inquiry.
The Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Administration and the Seoul Western District Office also conducted a joint special labor inspection. On the 19th, the Ministry of Labor announced the results of the investigation, stating, "Beyond simple guidance or advice, statements that are difficult to recognize as necessary for work in social norms were repeated," acknowledging the harassment against the deceased. However, they concluded that they could not classify her as an MBC employee, thus not applying the 'Workplace Harassment Prevention System.'
Upon the release of the investigation results, MBC stated, "We take the results of the special labor inspection by the Ministry of Employment and Labor very seriously," and added, "We will make every effort to prioritize the establishment of measures to prevent recurrence, improve organizational culture, and comply with labor laws."
In the meantime, MBC decided to terminate the contract with A as of the 20th and renewed contracts with the other three individuals identified as being involved in the harassment.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
