MBC weathercaster suicide death reveals workplace bullying that was swept under the rug. The tragic case of the MBC weathercaster highlights the need for better workplace environments.
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MBC Weathercaster: A Call for Change
South Korean news outlet Maeil Shinmun said that MBC’s weathercaster Oh Yoanna died by suicide in September 2024.
This incident has drawn attention to the pressures faced by MBC weathercasters in a highly competitive industry.
The harsh realities of being an MBC weathercaster are often overlooked, leading to tragic consequences.
Many aspiring MBC weathercasters face similar challenges, as the competitive nature of the job can lead to an unhealthy work environment.
This situation serves as a wake-up call for MBC weathercasters and the entire broadcasting industry to prioritize mental health and support.
She left a will indicating she was bullied by two sunbae weathercasters.
According to Maeil, Oh Yoanna died on September 15, 2024. At the time, the heartbroken family chose not to reveal the cause of her death, but it has since been revealed that she committed suicide—a note was recovered on her cellphone.
Stronger measures need to be implemented to protect MBC weathercasters from bullying and harassment.
Maeil stated that the memo described Oh Yoanna’s experience with job bullying. The lengthy email is claimed to include accounts of two other MBC weathercasters pestering her since March 2022, shortly after she joined MBC as a freelancer in May 2021.
One weathercaster criticized her for their mistakes, while another became angry with her for correcting false weather information, accusing her of disrespecting her sunbaes.
Furthermore, her fellow weathercasters frequently detained Oh Yoanna at the office well after business hours for “a lesson.” When tvN’s You Quiz On The Block approached Oh Yoanna for an appearance, her fellow weathercasters insulted her and mocked her for the opportunity. Maeil revealed that she had received numerous text messages and voice recordings from her colleagues weathercasters criticizing Oh Yoanna for her “lack of skills” and other reasons.
YouQuiz #YouQuizOnTheBlock
The legacy of the MBC weathercaster must drive change within the industry to ensure that no one else has to endure similar suffering.
The most common thing I’ve been hearing lately = “I really enjoyed watching You Quiz”
It was such a huge honor to have the opportunity to introduce the profession of weathercasting. Truly, a moment I’ll cherish forever As someone who never feels like I’m good enough, these memories come across as even more precious.
A big thank you to the production team and my sunbae–nims! I will continue to learn humbly and do my best! Please keep supporting me in the new year as well.
— Oh Yoanna
Oh Yoanna’s text and audio files revealed that the late weathercaster alerted four MBC employees about the harassment she was facing. Maeil said: “MBC did not conduct an investigation over the reported workplace bullying.”
According to one current weathercaster from another network, “This is what happens when the broadcasters do not intervene: a hierarchical’seniority culture’ forming among freelancers based on when they started working.”
Maeil attempted to contact Weathercaster A, who had been identified as one of the two main bullies, but received no response. Weathercaster B, who was also accused of bullying Oh Yoanna, shouted at Maeil, alleging, “We’re all going through a difficult time right now, so I’m not sure if it’s appropriate for you to be calling around like this.” Whatever you want to hear will have to come from MBC.” According to reports, MBC told Maeil, “We have not yet fully grasped the situation. We will make amends for any mistakes we have made and accept any criticism we may receive.”
MBC presently has five weathercasters under contract: Kum Che Rim, Lee Hyun Seung, Choi A Ri, Kim Ga Young, and Park Ha Myeong. Maeil pointed out that two of the weathercasters did not attend Oh Yoanna’s burial.
