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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider Korean TV network MBC apologizes to family of weathercaster who took her own life

Korean TV network MBC apologizes to family of weathercaster who took her own life

Published Oct 16, 2025 10:17 am
Oh Yoanna (Instagram)
Oh Yoanna (Instagram)

Korean TV network MBC apologized to the family of Oh Yoanna, a freelance weathercaster who took her own life in September last year allegedly due to workplace bullying. 

Oh Yoanna died on Sept. 15 last year at age 28. Last December, a 17-page suicide note was discovered from her cell phone that raised suspicions of workplace bullying perpetrated by her fellow weathercasters at MBC. 

MBC’s apology came after Oh Yoanna’s mother, Jang Yeon-mi, went on hunger strike for nearly a month in front of the TV network’s headquarters in Seoul. 

Ahn Hyeong-joon, CEO and president of MBC, held a press conference with the mother on Oct. 15 and announced that the TV network reached a settlement agreement with her. 

“First, I pray for the repose of the soul of the late Ms. Oh Yoanna, who passed away at such a young age,” the MBC president said. 

Oh Yoanna (Instagram)
Oh Yoanna (Instagram)
Oh Yoanna (Instagram)
Oh Yoanna (Instagram)
Oh Yoanna (Instagram)
Oh Yoanna (Instagram)
Oh Yoanna (Instagram)
Oh Yoanna (Instagram)
Ahn Hyeong-joon (left), CEO and president of MBC, comforting Oh Yoanna’s mother, Jang Yeon-mi (right) (Screenshots from MBC video on YouTube)
Ahn Hyeong-joon (left), CEO and president of MBC, comforting Oh Yoanna’s mother, Jang Yeon-mi (right) (Screenshots from MBC video on YouTube)
Oh Yoanna (Instagram)
Oh Yoanna (Instagram)
Oh Yoanna (Instagram)
Oh Yoanna (Instagram)

He added, “I offer my sincere condolences and apologies to the bereaved family, including the deceased's mother, who has endured a long and unfathomable grief. Today's agreement also represents MBC's commitment to ensuring that such a tragic incident never happens again.”

“Last April, MBC established the position of Coexistence and Cooperation Officer, a dedicated channel for addressing grievances and conflicts for all MBC employees, including freelancers. We also provide regular training to prevent workplace bullying, unfair treatment, and other misconduct,” he said. 

He said, “As a responsible public broadcaster, MBC will continue to strive to create an organizational culture of mutual respect and consideration, and a better workplace. Once again, I pray for the repose of the soul of the late Ms. Oh Yoanna.”

During the press conference, MBC presented to the mother an honorary employee ID card of Oh Yoanna. 

Oh Yoanna became a freelance weathercaster at MBC in 2021. 

Last January, her family revealed on the TV program “Crime Chief” that Oh Yoanna attempted suicide twice before her death by jumping from a bridge. 

"The first attempt was made on September 6 of last year, and then once more. She eventually passed away on September 15. She confided in her family about the difficulties of her work life before she passed away, and she received treatment and medication from about 10 psychiatric clinics," according to the report. 

Before becoming an MBC weathercaster, she applied as an idol trainee at JYP Entertainment in 2017. 

In 2019, she became a contestant at the SBS Supermodel Contest and became a finalist. In 2022, she appeared on the TV talk show “You Quiz on the Block.” 

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